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.

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.

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.

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.