Hi there! I’m Mariah Schrader, a proud bonus mom to four amazing kids—a 16-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and an 8-year-old daughter—and my husband and I have a 3-year-old daughter together. Navigating life in a beautifully blended family, I’ve experienced the challenges, joys, and unique dynamics that come with being a bonus mom.

Through this blog, I share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the love that fills our home—even when things get messy. My goal is to create a space where other bonus parents can feel seen, supported, and encouraged to embrace this special role. Blending families isn’t always easy, but I believe it can be both rewarding and deeply meaningful.

When I’m not cheering on our kids from the sidelines or managing the organized chaos of our household, you can find me writing, researching, and continually learning how to be the best bonus mom I can be. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Disclaimer
It’s important to note that I’m not claiming my methods or opinions are the “right” way to parent. You may not agree with everything I say, and that’s perfectly okay. Isn’t that the beauty of parenting? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I’m not a psychologist or a licensed expert, and I haven’t taken formal parenting courses. I’m not asking for forgiveness or grace. I’m simply here to share my story, with all its messiness and beauty, in the hope that others feel less alone in their own journey.