In a recent exclusive interview with People,  Katherine Schwarzenegger shared insights into her journey as a stepparent to her husband Chris Pratt’s 13-year-old son, Jack, whom Pratt shares with his ex-wife Anna Faris.

Schwarzenegger described her role in the blended family as “a blessing,” adding that she continues to learn more every day. 

“Just like parenting, you learn something new every single day,” she said.

According  to the outlet, she emphasized how grateful she feels to experience both parenthood and stepparenting, noting that many people never get the chance to do both.

One of the key steps she took to support her transition into this dual role was hiring a stepparenting coach upon getting engaged to Pratt. 

“I got that right when we got engaged,” Schwarzenegger revealed, sharing how the professional help was “incredibly helpful” in navigating her unique position.

As per the publication, she acknowledged that stepparenting presents distinct challenges, pointing out that the role isn’t strictly parent, nanny or assistant.

 “Stepparenting, like parenting, has no handbook … you have responsibilities in all of those areas but you’re not either of them,” she explained.

Moreover, Schwarzenegger also praised the effective co-parenting arrangement involving herself, Pratt, Faris and Faris’s husband, Michael Barrett, calling it a “huge blessing” that requires real work.

Through her podcast BDA (Before, During & After) Baby   and her upcoming children’s book, she aims to provide support and community to families navigating similar blended-home dynamics.