104. Why You Don’t Need the Ex to Change to Finally Feel at Peace in Your Stepfamily, with Priscilla Smith
If you’ve ever found yourself tangled in the emotional mess of a high-conflict ex, today’s conversation is for you. My guest, Priscilla Smith, knows exactly what it’s like to live in that storm. A certified stepfamily coach and child-free stepmom (and speaker at the upcoming Stepmom Summit!), Priscilla has navigated years of tension, loyalty binds, and co-parenting chaos — all while building a stronger marriage and a more peaceful home. She’s here to share how she shifted from reacting to leading, stopped letting the ex dictate her peace, and created tools that actually work in real life. In this episode, we talk about: The turning point that helped Priscilla reclaim her calm Why waiting for a high-conflict ex to change will keep you stuck How to take the high road without feeling like a doormat The impact on your relationship — and how to protect it Practical self-care in the middle of constant stress Whether you’re in the thick of it right now or supporting someone who is, Priscilla’s story and strategies will help you see a way forward — one that’s not about “fixing” someone else, but about protecting your own energy, marriage, and peace. About Priscilla: Priscilla Smith is a certified stepfamily coach who helps stepmoms and their partners go from chaos to clarity to calm, especially when high-conflict dynamics and neurodiverse child needs are part of the picture. A child-free stepmom herself, Priscilla brings many years of lived experience, a calm presence, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with blending families. With a mindset-focused approach, she helps clients break free from old patterns, build new tools, and create lasting change in their relationships and daily life. She doesn’t just hand out advice, she asks the right questions, helps you connect the dots, and teaches practical strategies that actually stick. Before coaching, Priscilla spent two decades in Human Resources and leadership development, where she honed her skills in strategy, goal setting, and guiding people through tough transitions. She now works with stepfamilies across the globe from her home in central Pennsylvania, where she enjoys reading and hanging out with her dog, Bernie. You Can Find Priscilla: Blendedbloomingcoaching.com Instagram: @blendedstepfamilycoaching Priscilla's FREE Mastering Transition Days Guide: https://blendedbloomingcoaching.myflodesk.com/transitiondayguide Links Mentioned In This Episode: Join the waitlist for The Stepmom Summit: thestepmomsummit.com Learn more about Stepfamily Coach Academy certification program Are you enjoying The Stepmom Diaries? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show. It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you so they can get MORE out of stepmom life! It’s super easy – all you have to do is click HERE and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head HERE to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint!
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