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 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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Gabby and James both submit their own videos to win tickets to a sold out Cody Simpson concert. When Aaron wins the tickets with his own video, the family fights over who will go with him. Guest Star: Cody Simpson

Tired of the kids not pulling their weight, Stephanie cancels the maid service and institutes chores. When the kids go on strike demanding pay, Charlie declares war and Stephanie seeks a compromise before things get out of hand.

Aaron must care for his class rabbit for the weekend but the bunny meets an untimely death after a startle from a balloon pop. Now Stephanie's determined to explain the nature of loss to a 6 year-old against the teacher's wishes

After Gabby is held for shoplifting for returning a pair of jeans with the sensor still on, Stephanie and Charlie take sides. Meanwhile, James is selling their unopened wedding presents to make extra cash.

The kids return from a vacation to Mozambique with their mom, Kim, only to learn the trip was actually a job interview at the embassy. They soon find out they are moving to Africa and away from Stephanie and Charlie.

Despite Charlie's protests, Stephanie takes the family camping to help Aaron earn his Woodland Scout badges, convinced her "momitude" will overcome her lack of experience. Once there, Mother Nature quickly shows her who is boss.

Stephanie is excited for her first Mother's Day, but learns the family intends to celebrate her on Stepmother's Day instead. She books a last-minute spa day with her own mom, only to find out it is a couple's package.

Stephanie organizes a charity auction to inspire the kids to give back. She goes to extreme measures to beat the previous fundraising record, losing sight of the lesson she was trying to teach. Guest Star: Caroline Aaron

Stephanie has an old friend staying when Charlie's away on business, and between Aaron's playdate, James' school project, a grounded Gabby, and more friends arriving expecting "party girl" Stephanie, things spin out of control.

Stephanie asks an old boyfriend to come install a new sound system as her anniversary gift for Charlie, but when Gabby and James learn the truth, she bribes each of them to keep her secret.