On today's episode of the Powerful Parenting Journey Podcast, Stephanie talks to Marley Jaxx, co-founder of the YouTube Lead Machine.

Marley shares her experience as a stepmom and how she navigates a blended family. Despite the initial stereotypes and challenges she anticipated, Marley shares how she and Steve, a father of three, approached their situation. To her delight, the children warmly welcomed her into their lives. Marley describes how she connected with the three girls, who all had their own unique personalities and interests. You'll learn more about their 50/50 custody arrangements with their kids and how this allows for structured time with them. She talks about how they involve their children in their entrepreneurial endeavors to give them a sense of excitement and possibility for their own future ventures.

They're aware of the societal pressure for children to own iPads, but also point out the risks involved. She explains how they have successfully built a positive association with the device. You’ll learn how Marley and her family have managed to avoid struggles with screens in their home, and why she encourages imaginative play and creativity. Marley reflects on her journey to motherhood and talks about her divorce in 2020 and how it led to a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with Steve. Balancing motherhood and running her business gives her a sense of fulfillment. She also expresses her passion for hosting memorable events and creating unique experiences for her loved ones.

As the conversation comes to a close, Marley offers words of encouragement to entrepreneurial parents, including stepmoms, who struggle with mom guilt. She discusses the impact of cancel culture and her successful documentary that explores the topic. Marley also reveals details about her upcoming documentary, Fabricating a Scandal.

Stephanie recommends the book Trying by Kobi Yamada, which encourages taking action and overcoming the fear of failure.

Looking to enhance family connections during dinner? Discover a curated list of questions to spark dinner conversation at powerfulparentingtribe.com. These thought-provoking questions will get your kids thinking and encourage meaningful conversations that strengthen your family bonds.

Join Stephanie and Marley for an insightful conversation about letting kids take the lead in the blending of the family and the importance of parents prioritizing self-care and personal fulfillment.

Enjoy!

“Fear of failure is the worst thing and keeps most people from starting anything. The only way to reach the goal is to take a step in that direction. And the best way to do that is to just start.” (Trying: Kobi Yamada)


“I feel very lucky that everything was so easy. And the kids are wonderful. And they've accepted me.” (Marley Jaxx)


“It was great that the kids really showed us what they were comfortable with instead of me just inserting myself into their lives” (Marley Jaxx)


“Most kids are going to be smarter than their parents when it comes to technology.” (Stephanie)


“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And work-life balance is also in the eye of the beholder. What does that mean for you?” (Marley Jaxx)


“I recently saw a quote that said, "the only person who remembers how much overtime you worked is your kids.” (Marley Jaxx)