Stepparenting: Confused About Being a Stepmom or Stepdad? Try Humor! Parenting

Kathy Ast
6 years ago

In 2015, when I married my fantastic wife who came with two children, I subscribed to StepMom Magazine and read that you shouldn’t try to discipline stepkids for at least three years. That was a relief since I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, never having been a parent before! Things were sometimes stressful in the beginning. Once we all got used to each other, humor was the best medicine! 

  • Having two boys, one kid’s friend actually burped the entire alphabet, another kid made up killer dance moves and said, “It smells like updog in here!” prompting me to answer, “What’s up, dog?”
  • During our road trip to South Dakota we spent hours in the car reading jokes from the internet such as: “Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7, 8, 9!”
  • We went fishing and camping and found out not only how to get along, but how to have a blast!
  • We went injury free at the roller rink, but I was dismayed that I fell on the concrete during my skateboard demonstration (no broken bones)!

My stepsons are natural comedians, often without trying. A well-timed sarcastic remark goes a long way in our household! They’ve taught me about being resilient and also when to loosen up! 

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Comments (5)

Elisa Schmitz
Wonderful tips from a wonderful stepmom! You're so right, Kathy Ast-Kutzbach , a little humor goes a long way. I love your relationship with your boys. You are all a natural fit together, though I know it's never easy. Well done, chica. Thank you for sharing these great ideas! xoxo
Kathy Ast
Thank you, Elis! Thanks Cassiday! Life isn’t easy but a good laugh makes everything better!! Xoxo
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love this, Kathy Ast-Kutzbach ! Thanks for sharing these tips! I think you'll love this one, Bri Montoya !
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