Episode 19- Dads, Daughters & Divorce | An Honest Stepmom–Stepdaughter Conversation

In this episode of Call the Nurse, I’m stepping into this conversation not as a nurse or a host — but as a stepmom. I’m sitting down with my stepdaughter, Emily, for an honest and vulnerable dialogue about what it was like experiencing her parents’ divorce as a teenage girl — almost 14 — and as an older sister who felt a quiet responsibility to protect her younger brother. There’s a different kind of sensitivity when these conversations happen between a stepmother and stepdaughter. This isn’t about blame or rewriting history. It’s about creating space for a daughter’s voice — even when that voice reflects seasons that were complex, emotional, and imperfect. Emily shares: • What she remembers feeling during the divorce • The weight of being “the strong one” • Growing up with a driven, intense surgeon dad • Gaining step-sisters and blending families • Watching our family navigate difficult seasons • When she began seeing her father as a person, not just “Dad” We also talk openly about something that doesn’t get discussed enough — what teen girls truly need from their dads. Especially during divorce. Especially during puberty. Especially in the awkward years when fathers may feel unsure how to stay close. Emily offers insight into what presence looks like, what distance feels like, and how a father’s engagement — or absence — can shape a daughter’s confidence, relationships, and sense of safety for years to come. This conversation holds both strength and softness. It models what it means for a stepmom and stepdaughter to sit down with humility, respect, and truth. If you’re raising daughters, navigating divorce, blending families, or simply trying to understand the emotional landscape of teen girls, this episode will meet you with honesty and compassion. 🎙️Connect with Mindie! IG: @callthenursepodcast TikTok: @callthenursepodcast YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@CallTheNursePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: [email protected] Thank you to our Sponsor, Advanced Imaging Center! All your imaging needs under one roof such as : -MRI -CT -Nuclear Medicine -Bone Density -XRay 💻Visit their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://aicscan.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a full list of their services! 📞Call to Schedule: 661-949-8111 Advanced Imaging Center: Bringing Clarity to the Moments that Matter!