Tiffany Paskas and Megan Stortz, known as the Moms of Tampa, have an inspiring story that highlights the potential for friendship between a mom and a stepmom. Their journey to becoming close friends is gaining attention and encouraging a new perspective on co-parenting after divorce.
Stortz shares custody of her 11-year-old son, Michael, with her ex-husband Mike, who is now married to Paskas. Initially, like many blended families, they maintained a distance, with neither woman feeling comfortable communicating. Paskas explained to local NBC station WFLA that both women grew up with the notion that the ex and new partners should remain separate, leading them to avoid each other for the first four years.
This lack of connection started to affect young Michael, who felt torn between his two homes. Stortz mentioned on Good Morning America that he was hesitant to express happiness in either household for fear of upsetting the other.
Recognizing the need for a change, Stortz reached out to Paskas in a friendly gesture by sending a gift—a bottle of champagne along with a note expressing gratitude for Paskas’s positive influence on Michael’s life. This simple act opened the door for their friendship.
The two began exchanging gifts, but it was during the pandemic that their bond truly flourished. When both of their husbands contracted COVID-19, they quarantined together and discovered a mutual passion for makeup. Paskas, who had started a beauty channel on TikTok, invited Stortz to join her in creating content, marking a significant step in their friendship.
Their dynamic attracted attention on social media, prompting them to share their experiences as co-parents. They even launched a podcast titled “From Blended to Besties,” available on Spotify, where they discuss their journey and the benefits of their relationship.
Stortz often refers to Paskas as “bonus mom” instead of stepmom, emphasizing the positive dynamic they’ve built. The Moms of Tampa offer more than just co-parenting advice; they present a hopeful vision of what a healthy blended family can look like.
While their experience may not be the norm for everyone, it demonstrates that with effort, a supportive relationship between co-parents is achievable and can be immensely beneficial for children. To foster such connections, experts like those at the Australian parenting site Raising Children highlight the importance of communication and respect—qualities that clearly define Stortz and Paskas’s relationship.
Ultimately, their story serves as a reminder that collaboration in co-parenting can lead to fulfilling and rewarding experiences, not just for the parents, but for the children as well.