Have you ever been in a situation with a high conflict co-parent that you don't get along with? Well, sit down and grab a snack because this is a long read.. First off, it's more common than you think and you are not alone. There is this idea that you "can't be the better mother", but in reality, you shouldn't have to be. You should simply be able to love your stepchildren as your own and reassure them they are safe. Sometimes, stepmothers have to step up because biological mother isn't around or helping out as much. Based on my experience, I became a full-time step-parent after a short time of dating my partner.  I was going into all of it blindsided, and had no clue what to expect. I did the best I could, it was hard, it was challenging at times, there were days I wanted to give up, but I knew this child needed me and I knew I needed to be a good role model so I stayed, learned and I toughed it out.