Instant Mom

Stephanie trades in cosmos for carpools when she marries an older man with three kids. Her new role of full-time stepmom is challenging as she struggles to maintain some sense of her fun-loving, slightly irresponsible self.

Stephanie seeks parenting advice by starting an anonymous blog and receives helpful tips until she discovers that the "helpful" users are the kids living under her roof, who have an agenda of their own.

Stephanie's determined to bond with the kids and uses her love of music to do it. But by forcing them to take up an instrument against their will, Stephanie learns a very public and embarrassing lesson in parenting.

Stephanie attempts to get more involved by participating on the parents dance committee at James' school only to find the other mothers mean and unwelcoming to the too pretty, too excited, binder-ready Stephanie.

Aaron's being given a hard time at school, and when Stephanie tries to intervene, she makes matters worse. Gabby's trying out for cheerleading and Maggie volunteers to coach her, but comes off more like a drill sergeant.

Stephanie tells James that lying is OK if it makes someone's day better, which leads him to tell a huge lie. When everyone is called to the principal's office, the family must find a balance between honesty and shading the truth

Gabby gets asked out by a boy, and she wants to go, but Charlie doesn't want her to date until she's 16. Maggie backs him up, but Gabby sneakily gleans advice from Stephanie on how to get around the rule.

Stephanie plans the family vacation she never had, but when they're snowed in - Stephanie's dream turns into a staycation as the rest of the Phillips family tries to plot their escape from her endless home "cruise" activities.

Stephanie doesn't get carded at a club and is feeling old. When she escorts Gabby to a lead singer audition for a rock band and instead lands the gig, she sees it as the pick me up she needs, but Gabby doesn't share the feeling.

Charlie is the speaker at a big event when the sitter cancels so a desperate Stephanie leaves Gabby in charge against his wishes. As the kids try to survive each other at home, an upset Charlie may not make it thru his speech.

Stephanie and the kids make the wrong impression when Charlie invites his boss to meet her for the first time.

Stephanie surprises the family with a visit from her dad at Christmas, but she's the one surprised by Maggie's unexpected reaction to his arrival. The kids are excited because they think another grandparent means more presents.

Aaron confuses Charlie's Valentine's advice and gives Sam all of Stephanie's jewelry. When Stephanie tries to get it back, Sam's eccentric Grandma refuses to return it. A dateless Gabby turns her attention to tormenting James.