Stepmomming Made Easy

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:

• Strategies to help you recognize your emotional needs and set boundaries
• Techniques to generate “quick wins” near the beginning of your relationship, including ways to protect your core values and create realistic house rules
• Insightful discussions of how stepfamilies are different from nuclear families and why they require a different approach

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.

Foreword 2

Introduction 5

Chapter 1: Perspectives 7

Chapter 2: Quick Wins 27

Chapter 3: The Forever Formula for Stepmoms 46

Chapter 4: Attitude of Self-Worth 49

Chapter 5: Defined Authentic Role 62

Chapter 6: Balanced Self-Fulfillment 96

Chapter 7: Unshakable Relationship 104

Chapter 8: Confident Control 141

Chapter 9: Validating Support 168

Chapter 10: Go Live a Stepmom Life You Love 175

References 177

KRISTEN SKILES is a certified stepparent coach and the founder of stepmomming.com, where she helps stepmoms navigate their complex roles in blended families. Skiles has coached hundreds of clients and educated thousands through her business and social channels. She also hosts the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast.

Praise for STEPMOMMING MADE EASY

“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

“Kristen Skiles has written the handbook every stepmom wishes she had on day one. This book doesn’t just validate the journey—it empowers it.”
—NAJA HALL, Founder of VIPStepmom and Blended and Black, Host of I Know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall

“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

“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.”
—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

"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