Episode 52: How To Move From Being a Step-Parent to a Bonus Parent

If you're a step-parent, you know how complicated that relationship can feel. For starters, society tells us stepparents are evil and someone to be despised. Changing our roles as bonus parents begins with the language we use and the consideration we employ as we speak to and about our children. It's a layered dynamic, but that doesn't have to mean it's bad.    This week's podcast guest, Christina McGhee, reminds us to play the long game, and not to get caught up in the short haul. Merging histories requires mindfulness and withholding our judgements and assumptions. Whether you feel like you're a pro, or messing up everyday, just remember - where you are right now isn't where you will always be, and you can always recalibrate.   Christina McGhee is a speaker and divorce parenting expert who believes divorce doesn't have  to equal devastation for families. While splitting up is undeniably hard, with the right kind of information and support, she thinks parents can be children's absolute best resource as life changes.     As a coach with 20+ years of experience, Christina is dedicated to providing parents with the tools and practical support they need to get it right for their kids. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book, Parenting Apart: How separated and divorced parents can raise happy and secure kids.    As a child of divorce and as a bonus mom (aka step-mom), Christina has had plenty of opportunity to practice what she preaches.  Together she and her husband have four "adultish" children (2 bonus, 2 bio). During her tenure as a hands-on parent, she acquired extensive on-the-job training as a chauffeur, negotiator, short-order cook, scheduler extraordinaire and finder of all things lost.   Learn more about Christina by visiting her website at https://www.divorceandchildren.com or following her on social media: IG : @christina_mcghee FB: @divorceandchildren Li: @christinamcghee