Learning Through the Mess: What Watercolor Taught Me About Being a Stepmom

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers: A Conversation with Georgina Warren

n today’s episode, we explore how stepmoms are painted in traditional fairy tales versus reality. Georgina’s book consists of 12 original fairy tales, each shifting the narrative to champion the stepmother as a positive influence. We'll also discuss the historical stigma attached to the title of stepmother and how Georgina aims to dismantle the overly clinical and negative discourse surrounding stepfamilies. Georgina acknowledges that while rebellion against stepparents is common among teens, her own relationship with her stepmother improved through shared responsibilities, experiences, and a broader supportive community. She advocates for a similar approach in nurturing positive stepfamily relationships. Georgina Warren is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, where she majored in French, and recently received her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the Catholic University of America. She lives in Washington, D.C., and currently works at the Library of Congress. Homeschooled until she was fifteen, she later attended the British School of Washington and the Field School, where she first cultivated her profound love of the literary, visual, and performing arts, and pursued her vision to become a writer, artist, and actor. Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers is the first installment of what will eventually be a three-volume collection.

Navigating Conflict with Grace as a Stepmom

Conflict is part of stepfamily life—but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling defeated, defensive, or disconnected. In this episode, I explore how stepmoms can approach conflict with more clarity and calm, even when emotions run high. Whether you're navigating difficult conversations with your partner, feeling tension with your stepkids, or unsure how to deal with the ex—this episode is for you. Topics We Cover: * Why conflict is normal in stepfamilies * The role of empathy and face-to-face communication * Why defensiveness doesn’t help (and what to try instead) * The power of shifting from blame to collaboration * How boundaries create space for grace Resources Mentioned: * 💻 Stepmom Resource Library (Free Access) [https://stepmomcoach.com/SMLibrary] * 📖 The Stepmom’s Boundary Blueprint – Paperback (Amazon [https://stepmomcoach.com/SMBWorkbookAmazon] and Barnes & Noble [https://stepmomcoach.com/SMBlueprintBN]) * 🖥️ The Stepmom’s Boundary Blueprint – Digital Version [https://stepmomcoach.com/StepmomBoundaryWorkbook] * ✍️ Read the Full Blog Post [https://stepmomcoach.com/stepmom-conflict-resolution-tips] Follow & Connect: Website: https://stepmomcoach.com [https://stepmomcoach.com/]/start-here Instagram: @stepmomcoach [https://instagram.com/stepmomcoach] Facebook: Stepmom Coach [https://www.facebook.com/ClaudetteChenevert.StepmomCoach/] Because let’s be honest: grace doesn’t mean being passive. Grace is clarity, courage, and self-respect in action.

Learning Through the Mess: What Watercolor Taught Me About Being a Stepmom

In this episode of The Stepmom Wisdom Circle, I share a personal story about how a frustrating afternoon of watercolor painting reminded me of the early days of stepmotherhood. From clumsy brushstrokes to unexpected breakthroughs, I talk about the parallels between painting and parenting—especially when you're navigating a role filled with uncertainty, trial, and error. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “failing” as a stepmom, this episode is for you. I’ll help you reframe those messy moments and remind you that you’re not doing it wrong—you’re just in the process of building something beautiful. 💛 Mentioned in this episode: ➡️ Visit the FREE Stepmom Resource Library for tools, guides, and support: https://stepmomcoach.com/SMLibrary [https://stepmomcoach.com/SMLibrary] ➡️ Learn more about my work and coaching: https://stepmomcoach.com [https://stepmomcoach.com]

Stepmom Wisdom: Role Models, Recognition, and Resilience: Finding Strength and Positivity in Your Stepmom Journey

In this episode, we're diving into some key aspects of: Brenda Ockun, founder and publisher of StepMom Magazine—the how-to guide for any woman who dates, lives with, or is married to someone who has kids, and a fellow stepmom, shares her wisdom on these areas. We also discuss the importance of partner support, and how your grace under pressure, your responses, and actions are observed and valued by your stepchildren. If you found this episode helpful, do share it with other stepmoms in need of encouragement and subscribe for more insightful episodes. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform, which helps us serve you better. For more support and guidance, check out my book, "The Stepmom's Book of Boundaries," available in paperback, ebook, and audio formats. Feel free to reach out through our website or social media channels to share your challenges, feedback, or topics you'd like covered in future episodes. Thank you for joining the Stepmom Wisdom Circle. Remember, you're valued, seen, and doing a wonderful job. Until next time, continue setting positive examples and shining your light. Take care! Links Mentioned in this podcast: StepMom Magazine  [https://www.stepmomcoach.com/StepmomMag]  Claudette Chenevert – The Stepmom Coach [https://www.stepmomcoach.com/]  The Stepmom’s Book of Boundaries [https://www.stepmomcoach.com/SMBoundaries]   The Ultimate Stepfamily Summit [https://www.thestepfamilysummit.com/]

Relaunching The Stepmom Wisdom Circle

Hi, and welcome to the Stepmom Wisdom Circle! I'm thrilled to announce that we're relaunching the podcast with a fresh new sound and even more insightful and practical content to empower your stepmom journey. Be sure to like and share this podcast and leave us a comment. For more information on the work  I do, check out www.stepmomcoach.com [https://www.stepmomcoach.com]