Katherine Schwarzenegger expresses that her dual role as both a mother and a stepmother is a “blessing.” At 35 years old, the author is embracing her parenting journey with three children: daughters Lyla, age five, and Eloise, age three, along with son Ford, who is 11 months old, with husband Chris Pratt. Additionally, she plays a significant role in the life of Jack, Pratt’s 13-year-old son from his previous marriage to Anna Faris.
In an interview with People magazine, Schwarzenegger shared her insights on her relationship with Jack, stating, “I’ve learned so much and continue to learn so much. Just like parenting, you learn something new every single day.” She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to experience the unique challenges and rewards of both parenting roles, emphasizing how few have the chance to navigate both paths: “I feel really grateful to be able to experience both and continue to learn a lot and grow in both of those spaces.”
Katherine also aims to create a supportive environment through her podcast, BDA (Before, During and After) Baby. She hopes it will resonate with parents at various stages, fostering a sense of community. “My goal with BDA Baby is to really provide a community of support and also to have conversations about things so people feel less alone in their journey,” she said.
In addition to her podcast, Schwarzenegger is set to release a children’s book titled Kat and Brandy next week. She hopes the book will resonate with young readers, allowing them to connect with the main character, Kat, who confronts her fears. “I want them to read the story and see themselves in Kat, the main character, and say, ‘She was afraid of something and she was able to work through those fears, now I feel encouraged to work through my fears,’” she explained.
Reflecting on her approach to stepparenting, she revealed that she sought the guidance of a stepparenting coach shortly after her engagement to Pratt. Sharing her experience on Parenting + You with Dr. Shefali, Schwarzenegger noted the complexity of stepparenting, stating, “Stepparenting is extra confusing because you aren’t a parent, you’re not a nanny, you’re not an assistant. You have responsibilities in all of those areas but you’re not either of them.”
Schwarzenegger’s journey as a mother and stepmother highlights the importance of learning and growing in each role, showcasing her commitment to fostering connections within her family and support systems. Her endeavors in sharing her experiences through conversation and storytelling serve as a testament to her belief in building community and inspiring others on their own parenting journeys.