One dynamic to be aware of in stepfamily is what I like to call the Hot Tub Time Machine. For the record, the HTTM Dynamic comes baked into every single stepfamily. In other words, there's no way to avoid the interpersonal friction (read: drama) that's created when a romantic partner joins a pre-existing family unit.

In a biological family, the couple always has a pre-existing relationship before children are brought into the family unit. Like the old nursery rhyme says, "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in the baby carriage!"

But in a stepfamily, the biological family always has a pre-existing history that pre-dates the couple's new romantic relationship. In a stepfamily, the nursery rhyme would have to go, "First comes the baby in the baby carriage, then comes love, and maybe we can get married again one day idk tho."

No wonder it never cracked the Top 40. WOMP WOMP.

In essence, the HTTM Dynamic can (and does) create a lot of confusion, disharmony, and conflict within a stepfamily if it's not acknowledged and properly addressed. Stepparents feeling like outsiders, biological parents feeling like they're caught in the middle, and kids grappling for as much power and control as they can possibly get their hands on, are just a few ways that this dynamic can show up.

Today's practice will help you navigate the negative emotional experiences of stepfamily, so that you can feel at ease, at home.

Want to navigate these emotional experiences with a certified stepfamily coach? Tap here to book a 30-minute consult with a member from our team and find out how we can help.