863 Build an Empowered Blended Family with Cameron Normand

Build an Empowered Blended Family with Cameron Normand In this episode of The Terri Cole Show, Terri sits down with nationally recognized stepfamily expert Cameron Normand to explore the unique challenges stepmoms face and why traditional parenting advice often doesn't work for blended families.

Cameron shares practical guidance on building relationships with stepchildren, navigating parenting and discipline, setting clear expectations with partners, and managing the stress of stepfamily life. She also explains why it can take four to seven years for a stepfamily to feel cohesive and why moving at the children's pace is essential.

Cameron also shares details about her annual Stepmom Summit, a virtual event designed to give stepmoms expert guidance, resources, and a supportive community. The summit starts September 14th and you can grab a free ticket at terricole.com/stepmomsummit

00:00 Welcome to The Terri Cole Show

02:52 From Capitol Hill Lawyer to Stepfamily Expert: Cameron's Origin Story

07:08 Why "Super Step" Overperformance Backfires on Stepmoms

12:04 The Training Gap: Why Therapists Are Giving Stepmoms the Wrong Advice

14:53 What New Stepmoms Should Actually Expect (Including the 4-7 Year Timeline)

17:12 The "Connected Adult" Role: Why Stepmoms Should Skip the Disciplinarian Hat

21:43 The Partner Conversations Most Couples Never Have Before the Wedding

24:30 Why Stepmoms Have Higher Depression Rates Than Bio Moms and Stepdads

26:23 One Thing Walking-on-Eggshells Stepmoms Can Do Right Now