Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Co-Parenting: 'It’s Been A Journey'

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Teddi Mellencamp knows all about co-parenting. She recently opened up about her co-parenting experience with her husband's daughter's mom, Christina Mecklenburg, who she now considers a friend.

After sharing an Instagram Story over the weekend that brought up some questions about co-parenting, Mellencamp shared some more information about the relationship between her and 14-year-old Bella's mom.

"I got a lot of replies to my story this weekend about coparenting. I think @christinamecklenburg and I can agree that it's been a journey," she started her caption. "When I first reached out to get together with the girls, I was unsure of what would happen. But Christina's acceptance is a true testament to the fact that we wanted to live in harmony and be our best for Bella."

After spending multiple times together, the two now call each other more than just co-parents. "Now, after multiple times spent together, I consider her a friend and not just a 'coparent.' Because not only do we both love Bella, we want to learn and grow with each other," she continued.

The reality star concluded her caption with a piece of advice for any of her followers who find themselves in a co-parenting situation. "If you ever have that feeling that you should make that call, send that invite, show vulnerability - do it," she wrote. "It's so worth it. If you have any questions for Isabella's beautiful, strong momma and/or me, ask below and tag which one of us the question is for. Will try to answer as many as possible."

Many of her followers had positive things to say about the co-parenting relationship and how great it is for the kids involved. "Not a question but a huge compliment to all of you. In the end you all win. Loved this so much 💕💕," one follower wrote.

"Good for you all! It’s a healthy relationship for Bella and the entire family. It’s hard work for sure, but worth it. It took us a lot longer to get there, but we now spend the holidays and life events with my step-sons mom," wrote another.

Many people could relate to the podcast host's co-parenting journey. "Nice work Mommas. 🙌

We have a beautiful co-parenting relationship. It’s so beautiful for not only us adults but for all our children too," said one follower. Another added, "This is like my story. My stepsons bio mother and I are friends. I love her. It's a perfect relationship for the kids."

Mellencamp, mom to daughters Slate, 10, and Dove, 2, and son Cruz, 8, with husband Edwin Arroyave, recently took to Instagram to discuss what other parents do when it comes to their kids having sleepovers.

"I was watching Good Morning America recently and they had the great 'Sleepover Debate.' Slate is def at the age where she's wanting to have sleepovers with her friends, and @tedwinator and I are currently trying to navigate a productive conversation with her," she began explaining in an Instagram caption. "We are fully open to having her friends stay at our house, but are in agreement that we do not want her sleeping somewhere else. Mama bear right here!"

She concluded her caption by asking what other people do about their kids wanting to sleep at friends' houses. "So let's talk about it: what's your reasoning when it comes to your kiddos and sleepovers?"

Fellow "housewife" Kyle Richards said, "I did not allow sleepovers at other people's homes except a couple that were my very close friends. They were free to have as many friends at my house though. They actually were all fine with this arrangement."

Comments were mixed between allowing sleepovers and not. "No sleepovers 100%. Nothing productive comes from sleepovers and a lot to worry about. From being sleep deprived to not knowing who else is in the home (parents, siblings, other friends), that’s a big no for me. 'Late overs' are the way to go," one follower wrote.

Another added, "I once read an article that made it pretty simple. It’s unnecessary. There’s no reason to give anyone access to your child. Completely changed my thinking on this and when I think back to some sleepovers I went on as a kid…unnecessary. ❤️"

And then there was the other side of the debate. "So you expect others to trust you to allow their child to sleep at your house but you don’t trust those same people enough to allow your child to sleep there??," one follower asked.

Another added, "I think it can be offensive to have someone sleep over your house and then not let your child accept an invitation to that same kids house for a sleepover. I ty to keep that in mind with invitations and have my child only have kids over that I am comfortable with them staying at."