Katherine Schwarzenegger is proudly stepping into her role as a stepmom—and she’s doing it her way. The 35-year-old mom of three recently opened up about how she’s worked to break away from the “evil stepmother” stereotype, especially when it comes to her relationship with 12-year-old Jack, the son her husband Chris Pratt shares with ex Anna Faris. Her biggest resource? A step-parenting coach.
Why Katherine Turned to a Step-Parenting Coach
“I got that right when we got engaged,” Katherine shared during a July 15 episode of the Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali podcast. “It’s been incredibly helpful for me and also just understanding my role as a step-parent.”
Katherine, who tied the knot with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star in 2019, said the coach has helped her stay grounded in the unique space step-parents often occupy.
(Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)“Step-parenting, like parenting, has no handbook,” she explained. “Because I have the benefit of being in both roles. Step-parenting 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.”
Chris Pratt Acknowledges the Challenges of Stepparenting
Chris Pratt has also been open about how challenging the role can be. “It’s a tough job,” the 46-year-old actor said on the same podcast, likening it to motion-capture acting. “Parenting is a little bit like mo-cap acting because, in the end, you don’t end up getting the credit you deserve.”
“Children are children and they’re on their own paths,” he continued. “They’re probably having to continually process the fact that they are children of divorce. If a parent is in there doing the hard work of creating structure for a child and holding children accountable, and it’s not a biological child, it can feel thankless. But it’s a really, really important job.”
How Her Parents Influenced Her Parenting Journey
Katherine, who shares daughters Lyla, 4, and Eloise, 2, and son Ford, 8 months, with Chris, said she has also leaned on her parents—Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger—for support and guidance.
“I look to my mom for everything,” she said. “I call her with everything, I talk to her about everything, whether it’s being a wife, being a mom and even being a stepmom, I talk to her about all those dynamics.”
“She’s the greatest well of wisdom I could ever have,” Katherine added. “I really just think that she’s led by example. I watch everything she does.”
Chris proposed to Katherine in Montecito, California, in January 2019. “Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes!” Chris wrote on Instagram at the time. “I’m thrilled to be marrying you. Proud to live boldly in faith with you. Here we go!”
The couple exchanged vows just months later in June 2019 at a romantic, star-studded ceremony at San Ysidro Ranch. Guests included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, and Chris’ Parks & Recreation co-star Rob Lowe.
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Chris Pratt’s Wife Took a Bold Step to Co-Parent With Him