Gwyneth Paltrow discusses step-motherhood with Gabrielle Union

They have had to tackle motherhood from all angles, including being ‘step moms’ to their significant others’ children from past relationships.

And Gwyneth Paltrow spoke candidly about the daunting nature of step-parenting with fellow stepmom and actress Gabrielle Union during the most recent episode of The goop Podcast.

‘When I became a stepmother, when I knew I was going to become a stepmother, I was like, ‘S–t, I have no idea how to do this,’ admitted the Iron Man star, 48.

Candid: Gwyneth Paltrow spoke candidly about the daunting nature of step-motherhood with fellow step-mom and actress Gabrielle Union during the most recent episode of The goop Podcast

‘There’s nothing to read. What do I do? Where do I step in? Where do I not? How do I do this?’

Before recalling the perplexities of early step-parenting, Gwyneth described her stepchildren, daughter Isabella and son Brody, as ‘beautiful’ and being ‘the same age as [her kids].’ 

Isabella and Brody are the children of Platrow’s current husband Brad Falchuk, whom he welcomed with ex-wife Suzanne Bukinik during the span of their nearly 20 year marriage.

‘It’s been a really interesting challenge for me and I love them and I’ve learned so much about myself through the process,’ she added. 

Daunting: ‘When I became a stepmother, when I knew I was going to become a stepmother, I was like, ‘S–t, I have no idea how to do this,’ admitted the Iron Man star, 48

Gwyneth has two children, 16-year-old daughter Apple and 14-year-old son Moses, with musician ex Chris Martin, 44, whom she divorced in 2016 after 13 years of marriage.

Martin, who is the frontman for the band Coldplay, has had a longterm romance with actress Dakota Johnson, 31. 

Meanwhile, Gabrielle welcomed her first and only child, daughter Kaavia James, with husband and NBA star Dwyane Wade in 2018.

Step-parenting: Before recalling the perplexities of early step-parenting, Gwyneth described her stepchildren, daughter Isabella and son Brody, as ‘beautiful’ and being ‘the same age as [her kids]’ Moses and Brad pictured

Experienced: Gwyneth has two children, 16-year-old daughter Apple and 14-year-old son Moses, with musician ex Chris Martin, 44, whom she divorced in 2016 after 13 years of marriage

The Bring It On Star, 48, married the 39-year-old former professional basketball player in 2014. 

Along with parenting a now two-year-old daughter, Union has been happily step-parenting Dwyane’s sons Zaire, 19, and Xavier, seven, as well daughter Zaya, 13.

Speaking to Paltrow, Union admitted that she, drawing from personal experience, ‘tried to do the opposite of what I thought my stepmother did wrong or could have done better.’

Union’s father and mother, Sylvester and Theresa, reportedly divorced ‘amicably’ after being together for 30 years, with Sylvester later remarrying.

Blended: Meanwhile, Gabrielle welcomed her first and only child, daughter Kaavia James, with husband and NBA star Dwyane Wade in 2018

Gabrielle stressed: ‘Whoever you are, just be consistent so everyone can get used to who the hell you are really and you’re not putting on an act and then the mask falls off.’

The stunner also noted the importance of avoiding saying or associating any negativity towards a stepkid’s’ birth parents, which she referred to as staying ‘above the fray.’

She also advised other stepparents to stay ‘above the fray’ to avoid saying anything negative about your step-kids’ birth parents.

Dwyane shares son Zaire and daughter Zaya with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, 39, while sharing son seven-year-old son Xavier with ex Aja Metoyer.

Proud: Along with parenting a now two-year-old daughter, Union has been happily step-parenting Dwyane’s sons Zaire, 19, and Xavier, seven, as well daughter Zaya, 13; Gabrielle and Zaya pictured 

Consistency: ‘Whoever you are, just be consistent so everyone can get used to who the hell you are really and you’re not putting on an act and then the mask falls off, she stressed: Gabrielle pictured