Nobody dreams of becoming a stepmother. Yet for Michelle Brown, a blogger and step-parenting expert, being a step-mother feels like something she was meant to do. 

Michelle has a unique bond with her step-son, and through her writing she has also become a light in the darkness for many new step-parents struggling to make things work. Michelle is the first to admit, however, that step-parenting can be painful and exceptionally complex. 

In this week’s episode, Andrew and Michelle discuss:

• How society sees step-parents
• The challenges of running a blended family.
• Dealing with your partner’s ex (your step-child’s other parent).
• Defining your role in your step-child’s life.
• Parenting your biological child alongside your step-child.
• Looking after your marriage as a step-parent

Subscriber Content This Week

If you’re a subscriber to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Patreon), this week you’ll be hearing:

⭐️What I learned having breakfast with my ex-husband.

⭐️Three things Michelle Brown knows to be true.

⭐️AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50.

Read Michelle’s writing on step-parenting at www.theponderingnook.com and on Medium

Listen to Michelle’s podcast, The Pondering Stepmom Podcast 

Follow Michelle on Instagram and Facebook @theponderingnook and on Twitter @MichellePonders

Read Andrew’s book The Happy Couple’s Handbook: Powerful Life Hacks for a Successful Relationship https://andrewgmarshall.com/book/the-happy-couples-handbook-powerful-life-hacks-for-a-successful-relationship/ 

You might also enjoy last week’s episode with therapist Terry Gaspard on Making Your Second Marriage Work.

Read Andrew’s new Substack newsletter The Meaningful Life, and join the community there.

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall