163: Cutting the Tension: Building Trust Between a Stepmom and Stepdaughter

The stepmom-stepdaughter relationship often includes competing loyalties and confusing dynamics and can be the hardest relationship to navigate when blending a family. Ron Deal talks with stepmom Jessica Pickens and her bonus daughter, Jayla, about their ongoing struggles, cutting through tension, which began early and continued for years, and how they finally built a loving, trusting relationship with one another. Jayla explains how her position as a “Daddy’s girl” and her relationship with her own mother impacted her desire for a bonus mom. She didn’t respond well to Jessica’s nurturing, and tension escalated as she got older. In time, Jessica began to understand the complexity of their relationship, change her expectations, and parent Jayla differently. Slowly, their relationship moved toward understanding and love toward one another. Show Notes and Resources New To Our Community? Here's a gift for you!  Watch Women & Blended Families on YouTube  Learn about Jessica and Blended Family Matters and their podcast  Jessica and Jayla's podcast with Ron.  Give a tax-deductible gift.  Check out Ron's events.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy