1. Perfection is BS... and simply unattainable. Then sooner you stop trying to pretend like you have it all together, the sooner you’ll feel like you kind of do.

2. The way someone treats you is more about them than it is about you - BUT on the same note - the way you treat someone is more about YOU than it is about them! Keep yourself in check.

3. Your husband/partner will NEVER get used to not seeing his kid(s) all the time. Be patient, be empathetic. When he has the kids and wants to overcompensate, don’t be too hard on him. When he wants to let them stay up past bed time, relax, yes routine is important but so are those special moments.

4. There’s no shame. You get a better version of him. His past shaped him into the man he is today - his experiences, his lessons, his mistakes, all made him better!

5. Let time do it’s thing. It really does heal.

6. What other people think about you is none of your business.

7. Pick your battles... seriously... not every conflict needs a reaction (no reaction is a reaction).

8. Sitting around bitching about how hard being a stepmom is won’t make being a stepmom any easier... a positive and empathetic outlook is key.

9. Ask yourself... if you were your stepkids would you like you? Would you respect you? Would you trust you? Remember they didn’t sign up for any of this!

10. Always make sure your wine fridge is full... there will be many days when you need it.