Stepfamily Dynamics: Trends, Tendencies, and Timeless Truths with Laura Petherbridge Ep. 398
From Love and Life with Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott by Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott
March 13, 2026 · 49 min · Season 17 · Episode 10
About this episode
The episode features Laura Petherbridge discussing current trends and challenges in stepfamily dynamics.
We’re back with The Smart Stepmom, Laura Petherbridge! We continue our discussion about stepfamily life by picking up where we left off in part 1. Specifically, Laura and I discuss the following: Current trends with stepfamilies. For example, the term “bonus mom” is now commonly used instead of “stepmother.” Is this helpful or hurtful? Custody changes—moving from mothers having full custody to 50/50 arrangements. Why children tend to have a harder time connecting with stepmothers as opposed to stepfathers. The many stepfamilies in the Bible and how Laura believes God views stepfamilies. Whether you’re personally part of a stepfamily or not, you’ll be blessed by Laura’s warmth, wit, and wisdom. Please join us! Laura Petherbridge, The Smart Stepmom Website: https://www.thesmartstepmom.com/ Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
People in this episode
Hosts: Dr. Karin, Pastor Elliott
Guest: Laura Petherbridge
Topics covered
- stepfamily dynamics
- current trends in stepfamilies
- custody arrangements
- stepmother and stepfather relationships
- biblical perspectives on stepfamilies
Keywords
- stepfamily
- bonus mom
- custody changes
- stepmother
- stepfather
- biblical stepfamilies
- family relationships
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Smart Stepmom, Love and Life Media
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