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Stepmomming Made Easy
Strategies, Tools, and Everything Else You Need to Know
"Stepmomming Made Easy is the realest, most helpful talk you’ll find about the nitty gritty of making a life that includes your partner’s kids."
—Amelia Nagoski, DMA, New York Times bestselling co-author of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
“Kristen Skiles has written the handbook every stepmom wishes she had on day one. Stepmomming Made Easy is empathetic, practical, and refreshingly honest. Kristen speaks directly to the often-overlooked emotional experience of stepmoms, while equipping readers with tools they can use right away. This book doesn't just validate the journey—it empowers it. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any woman navigating blended family life.”
—Naja Hall, Founder of VIPStepmom and Blended and Black, Co-Host of the Pants on Fire Podcast
“Are you faced with the prospect or reality of becoming a stepmother? This book is a must-read. Kristen offers real life tools to guide you to a place of confidence, clarity, and hope.”
—Barb Goldberg, Author of The Evil Stepmother Speaks
“As a journalist, I believed that as I entered stepmom life I would find hundreds of resources on how to be my best in this new role. (Spoiler: no way!) After so many trials and failures, I’ve found my way, but boy do I wish I had Kristen’s book a long time ago! It clearly outlines everyone’s perspectives in blended family life and how to navigate those feelings, as well as your own, without attacking or belittling other parties. That said, I do hope biological parents also pick up this book to have better understanding for the very complicated role of ‘stepmom.’”
—Jamie Yuccas, Emmy-winning CBS News Correspondent & Reporter
“Kristen was one of the first online stepmom voices I found when I became a stepmom, and her words felt like a lifeline. Stepmomming Made Easy is like sitting down with your stepmom bestie - she gets it, she’s lived it, and she knows how to help you feel more confident and less alone.”
—Cameron Normand, CEO of Stepfamily Solutions, Host of The Stepmom Diaries podcast, and Founder of Stepfamily Coach Academy
"I've always found Kristen's approach to be personable and positive. As a stepmom, a mom, and a coach, Kristen brings a unique lived perspective to her training that will help stepmoms find the peace in their lives and relationships. A great read that feels like a conversation with a brilliant friend!"
—Erin Careless, PhD, Certified Stepmom Coach
“This book is a game-changer for any stepmom navigating the emotional maze of blended family life (like me!). Kristen’s “Quick Wins” offer instant relief, while her honest take on the stepmom identity crisis makes you feel seen—and empowered to reclaim your peace without guilt.”
—Brie Tucker, COO at No Guilt Mom
Kristen Skiles (Author)
9781394295029, Wiley
Paperback / softback, published 2 October 2025
224 pages
22.4 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.272 kg
Step up to stepmomming with confidence with proven, expert advice from a Certified Stepparent Coach In Stepmomming Made Easy: Strategies, Tools, and Everything Else You Need to Know, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles delivers an inspiring and practical walkthrough of how to find peace, happiness, and fulfillment in your blended family. The author explains the roles of the various players involved in the blended family experience, and she shares hands-on strategies and mindsets that will help you adapt to your new role as a stepmom. You'll explore the six key steps to a lasting, fulfilling life as a stepmom: developing an attitude of self-worth, defining your stepmom role, discovering balanced self-fulfillment, building an unshakeable relationship with your partner, taking back control, and finding a community that truly gets it. You'll also find: Perfect for new, soon-to-be, and struggling stepmoms looking for support and opportunities to build important skills, Stepmomming Made Easy is also a can't-miss resource for counselors, marriage coaches, partners, and anyone else involved—on a personal or professional level—with a blended family.
About the Author vii Acknowledgments viii Foreword ix Introduction 1 Chapter 1 Perspectives 3 Your Partner’s Perspective 4 The Other Parent’s Perspective 8 Your Stepchild’s Perspective 14 Your Perspective as the Stepmom 18 Chapter 2 Quick Wins 27 Protecting Your Core Values 28 House Rules and Family Meetings 36 Your New Daily Routine 43 Chapter 3 The Forever Formula for Stepmoms 51 Basic Review of the Six Steps of the Forever Formula 52 The Top Three Priorities for a Stepmom 53 Chapter 4 Develop an Attitude of Self-Worth 55 Mourning the Loss of the Future You Envisioned 56 Overcoming Second-Spouse Insecurities 58 You’re a Great Stepmom! 66 Chapter 5 Define an Authentic Role 73 A Stepfamily’s Dynamics are Fundamentally Different 75 Shifting from Outsider to Insider 79 Understanding and Resolving Guilt 83 The Four Types of People Who Say “Yes” When They Want to Say “No” 84 Relational Reciprocity and Stepping Back 89 Beliefs and Defining Your Role 97 Bonding with Your Stepchildren and Discipline 102 Chapter 6 Balance Self-Fulfillment 113 Resolving Resentment 114 Rediscovering Your Identity 118 Overcoming Burnout 121 Chapter 7 Cultivate an Unshakable Relationship 125 How to Pick Your Battles 126 The Art of Kind Communication 129 Mastering the Five Love Languages 132 The Reminder You Didn’t Know You Needed 142 Habits for a Healthy Relationship 146 Relationship Pitfalls to Avoid 148 Communicating Through Conflict and Finding Compromise 151 Saying “I’m Sorry” in Your Partner’s Apology Language 160 Chapter 8 Command Confident Control 167 Embracing Your Control 169 The Basics of Boundaries 176 Structuring Impenetrable Boundaries 182 Ex-Free Zone and Other Ex-Related Boundaries 186 Establish Transition Rituals 189 Stop Living 100% of Your Life 50% of the Time 191 Chapter 9 Seek Validating Support 195 The Importance of a Support Network 196 How to Find Other Stepmoms to Connect With 199 Chapter 10 Go Live a Stepmom Life You Love 203 References 205 Index 209
Subject Areas: Self-help & personal development [VS]
