Moving into the Role of Step-Mom with Heather Stewart

Many Everything Always listeners are writing in to let us know that they are childless step-parents seeking better ways to navigate their new role. That’s why I’m so excited to have Heather Stewart on the show to talk about all the different facets of this rewarding – and sometimes challenging – position within a blended family.

Before she met her husband, Heather lived a life for herself. After all, she was single with no kids! But, when she fell in love with a man who had two young boys, everything changed. She naturally moved into a parental role to help her husband and discovered everything that comes with blended family life.

Today, Heather and I will discuss how she moved into the role of step-mom and the things she, her husband, and the bio-mom do to communicate courteously and effectively. We’ll also get into parenting involvement and letting go of resentments for the sake of the kids. Listen in to hear how Heather connected with her step-sons, why they call her “mom”, and what she has realized about mini parent fails. 

00:30 – 07:30 - Introducing Heather and how she became an insta-mom

07:30 – 13:00 - Navigating the relationship with step-kids and the bio-parent

13:00 – 24:00 - Knowing when to get involved and keeping emotions in check

24:00 – 30:00 - Heather’s connection with her step-kids and why they call her “mom”

30:00 – 36:30 - Putting your child’s happiness first, letting little things go, and staying positive

36:30 – 42:00 - Heather’s blog and her voice for “wicked” step-moms