WELCOME

Hi, I’m Chiara, and I’m a young Bonusmom of two, in a loving relationship with my partner, who is 12 years older than me, I’m an expat living in Australia and a Fifo worker and traveller.

I am originally from Germany and have met my partner while travelling Australia. Little did I know back then, that shortly after I will settle down with him and become a Bonusmom for his two children. Since moving in with him, we have overcome a lot of challenges. From navigating an age gap relationship, to being on different rosters (working FIFO) and finding time to connect when we home, while managing a blended family life. Between all of this, the most challenging part is to find my role as a Bonusmom while staying true to myself. I am here to take you on this journey while providing a space for you to feel heard, seen and understood.

MY JOURNEY SO FAR

I have always loved to travel, and I think it was very clear to my parents, that I will eventually move away from home, but everyone (including me) hoped it wouldn’t be as far away from Germany as Australia is. But of course, here is where I fell in love and decided to finally start settling down.

After school, I spent a year in South Africa, working with horses, before I started my apprenticeship as an Occupational Therapist in Germany. After my Graduation, I decided to take it further, studying Occupational Therapy in the Netherlands and going deeper into research. Although I’ve always been interested in human behaviour and the science behind it, pursuing my career as an OT didn’t feel right to me. After a short stay in Portugal and a couple of months back home, I decided to follow the dream of the 13-year-old me, and move to Australia for a year.

I planned on travelling and thriving, working to save money and then pursuing my travels further, but life had different plans for me. After a couple of very rocky months, I ended up in a mining Town in WA, as an Au pair, which is where I’ve found my feet and met my Partner. We moved in together shortly after, and my life has changed 180° since then! And this is where we are now and where the Inspiration for this blog is coming from.

WHY I BLOG

Changing from Backpacker- to blended family lifestyle is quite a drastic change I’d say, and I often found myself searching the internet at 2 am, wondering: “What am I doing here?”. “How will it work?”, “How do I set Boundaries?” or “are my feelings valid?”. I bet you know those questions, creeping up at night? I know exactly how you feel at this moment. I really wished, that back then, I would have found more blogs and online resources, of people sharing their Journey as a Bonusmom. A place, where I feel like someone understands my unique situation, where I feel heard and not like an outsider and overall, where I feel like someone is sharing their truth authentically. Simply, a place where I can relate.

This is why I have decided, to be exactly this source of Information for you!

I opened this blog to share my journey. To share the struggles, and joys as a Bonusmom. To show that Travel, Adventures, and Dreams don’t have to come to an end just because you’re settling down. To tell you, things are going to be alright and to share the truths of being in an age gap relationship with a man that already has Kids.

In this Blog, you’ll find

  • digital resources that I’ve created, to support you in your Stepmom journey,
  • tips, tricks, and advice for Bonusmoms in a blended family,
  • travel and adventure Ideas for blended families
  • resources for other young Bonusmoms
  • honest insights into an age gap relationship
  • simply a safe space for you to be you!

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALS

Instagram: @modernbonuslife

Email: modernbonuslife@gmail.com

SHOP MY PRODUCTS

As a Certified Occupational Therapist (B.Sc.), I have studied a lot of children’s behaviour as well as relationships and interpersonal relationships. Based on this knowledge combined with my personal experience as a Bonusmom, I have created digital products to support you in your journey and help you thrive in your new role.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your new role:

If you are struggling to set your Boundaries, in your blended family: