Stepparenting can feel like you're stuck arguing in circles. How can we find joy when we're constantly coming up against a brick wall?

Don’t lose yourself so much in the stepparenting role that you forget to have fun! Walking on eggshells is never the best way to bond with your stepkid.

Why does society think stepparents aren’t allowed to ever feel tired, ever feel ready for a break, or ever have mixed feelings? Stepparents, you deserve a friggin’ vacation.

Do we really need to call ourself "bonus moms" instead of "stepmoms"? Let’s stop apologizing for the very valid role we play in our stepfamily and own the stepparenting title with pride.

Our blended family invented new holiday traditions only by letting go of our ideas of how we thought the holidays “should” be celebrated... and when.

It's okay (and normal!) to both love being a stepparent and hate all the complications that living in a blended family brings. Give yourself permission to grieve along the way.

Stepparents take it upon ourselves to do all kinds of Shit That Goes Unrecognized, because we are the only ones who seem to realize that otherwise our stepfamily will not survive.

Will stepparenting ever feel easier? Will blended family ever feel simple? And — most importantly — WHEN??

Now that we know how Game of Thrones ends, looking back at the beginning brings up all kinds of obvious-in-retrospect foreshadowing. Kinda like blending a family.

Do stepparents have a double standard when it comes to stepkids vs. bio kids? They do and they should, but it’s not the kind of double standard you’re thinking. Sometimes, taking a more flexible approach to parenting is ultimately the fairest answer.

If you disengage from your stepkid and step back from stepparenting, could you actually become a better stepmom or stepdad? YEP. Disengaging can be an act of love that gives everyone in your blended family the room they need to blend.

Does taking the high road as a stepparent feel like it gets you absolutely nowhere? Join the club! But taking the high road with the ex can be its own reward, even if you're not getting any points with your stepkid for it.

As much as we assume that every good stepparent unconditionally loves their stepkids from day one, that's NOT the typical experience. Love is a bonus, not a requirement.

Is hanging onto your idea of how your stepkids "should" act or how a stepparent "should" feel about their stepkids keeping you from enjoying your blended family?

For the stepmoms who feel unappreciated by their blended families on Mother’s Day.

What do I do when my stepdaughter hates me, even after YEARS together? I keep trying, stepparents. Because this stepmom gig is the long con, and I am determined to rise above.

Hey stepparents, worried you're overstepping? Unless you've recently hired a huntsman to bring your stepkid's heart to you on a silver platter, you're probably good.

As a stepparent, you can't fight every fight. Choose your battles wisely and learn when letting go is the better option for you, your stepkid, and your blended family.