Stephanie is excited about celebrating her first Mother's Day until she learns that the family plans to celebrate her on Stepmother's Day instead; Stephanie takes her mother to a day spa and gets some unexpected "mom" advice from a few experts who attempt to cheer her up.
Stephanie tries to intervene when Aaron has a hard time at school, but 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 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 feels expendable on Halloween when the kids make their own plans. Meanwhile, Charlie tries to maintain his record for having the best decorated house in the neighborhood.
Stephanie organizes a charity auction to inspire the children to give back; Stephanie goes to extreme measures to beat the previous fund-raising record.
Aaron lands in hot water with his teacher, whom he calls a doofus-a word he heard Stephanie utter. Meanwhile, James uses Charlie in his plan to get out of doing his history homework.
Stephanie and Charlie take sides when Gabby is held for shoplifting after returning a pair of jeans with the sensor still on; James sells unopened wedding presents to make extra money.