Katherine Schwarzenegger is changing the evil stepmother narrative.
When it comes to navigating her relationship with stepson Jack, 12, who her husband Chris Pratt shares with ex Anna Faris, the 35-year-old revealed that she has a secret weapon that helps become the best stepmom she can be: a step-parenting coach.
“I got that right when we got engaged,” Katherine—who tied the knot with the Guardians of the Galaxy actor in 2019—said during a joint appearance on the Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali podcast July 15. “It’s been incredibly helpful for me and also just understanding my role as a step-parent.”
Indeed, The Gift of Forgiveness author—who also shares kids Lyla, 4, Eloise, 2, and Ford, 8 months, with Chris—emphasized that her coach has taught her how to maintain healthy communication with Jack as well as how to think of herself in the role of stepmom.
“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.”
For his part, Chris has acknowledged just how difficult being a step-parent can be.
“It’s a tough job,” the 46-year-old noted, comparing the task to Motion-capture acting, in which an actor wears sensors to record physical movements before a project is animated. “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.”
Beyond getting tips on how to be a better stepmom from her coach, Katherine also gushed about how much she’s been able to learn from her parents, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“I look to my mom for everything,” she shared. “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,” she added. “I really just think that she’s led by example. I watch everything she does.”
For a deeper dive into Chris and Katherine’s romance and life at home, keep reading…
Summer Loving
In June 2018, an insider told E! News that Chris Pratt was “smitten” with Katherine Schwarzenegger, adding that the Jurassic World star was “super happy” about the start of their blossoming relationship.
Meeting the Family
The couple took their romance to next level by spending time with the Schwarzenegger family. As it turned out, Katherine’s mom Maria Shriver played matchmaker after meeting Chris through church.
Getting Close With the Pratts
By September 2018, Katherine was hanging out with the Jurassic World star’s family and friends.
So Happy
The couple were all smiles during their outing Chris’ brother Cully Pratt.
Birthday Tribute
“Happy Birthday Chief!” Chris captioned a series of never-before-seen snapshots in December 2018. “Your smile lights up the room. I’ve cherished our time together. Thrilled God put you in my life. Thankful for the laughs, kisses, talks, hikes, love and care.”
She Said Yes!
Chris popped the question to Katherine in Montecito, Calif., with the duo announcing their engagement in January 2019.
“Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes!” Chris wrote on Instagram. “I’m thrilled to be marrying you. Proud to live boldly in faith with you. Here we go!”
Red Carpet Date
The two make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Avengers: Endgame premiere in Los Angeles in April 2019.
California Wedding
Katherine and Chris wed in June 2019 at a star-studded ceremony on San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, Calif.
Celebrity guests included Katherine’s dad Arnold Schwarzenegger, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn and Chris’ Parks and Recreation costar Rob Lowe.
Cooking in Quarantine
The pair spent the pandemic together, with the Marvel star adorably crashing the author one of the author’s baking videos.
Oh Baby!
In April 2020, E! News learned that Katherine was pregnant with the couple’s first child together.
Little Lyla
“We are beyond thrilled to announce the birth of our daughter, Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt,” the couple shared in an August 2020 Instagram post. “We couldn’t be happier. Both mom and baby are doing great. We are extremely blessed.”
Girl Dad
Katherine shared this photo of her husband in June 2021.
Double the Joy
In December 2021, news broke that Chris and Katherine were expecting their second baby together.
Hello Eloise
The duo welcomed daughter Eloise Christina Schwarzenegger Pratt on May 21, 2022.
“We are so excited to announce the birth of our second daughter,” they shared in a Instagram statement a day later. “Mama and baby are doing well. We feel beyond blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris.”
Daddy Dearest
Katherine posted this pic of her husband with their youngest daughter on Father’s Day 2022.
Baby No. 3
They became parents again in November 2024 with the arrival of son Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt.
