MaryKelly, Author at StepMom Magazine

Stupid Things People Say to Stepmoms: Inside the Oct. 2017 Issue

Stupid Things People Say to Stepmoms: Dealing With Askholes (and Other Rude Humans) By Mary T. Kelly, MA

Stepmoms aren’t the only ones who get asked questions which are nobody else’s business. Or who get advice that’d make your head spin. Ask any woman who’s been pregnant how many horror stories she’s heard about labor and delivery—from perfect strangers— which scared the crap out of her. The numbers are astronomical. Continue reading “Stupid Things People Say to Stepmoms: Inside the Oct. 2017 Issue”

Stepfamily Resources: Inside the July 2017 Issue

Stepfamily Resources

by Mary T. Kelly, MA

It’s so much harder than you expected it to be. Hell, if you’re gonna be really honest, it’s so tough you spend inordinate amounts of time wondering if it’s even worth it. What is this “it” that’s causing you—and others like you—to feel so much consternation? It’s the experience of being, or the thought of becoming, a stepmom.

“I’ve been living a sad tale for 16 years,” a reader recently shared on the StepMom Magazine Facebook page. “I wonder now if it was worth it.”

Continue reading “Stepfamily Resources: Inside the July 2017 Issue”

Divorced Dads: Inside the June 2017 Issue

Straight Talking Divorced Dads: 7 Ways to Get More of What You (Both) Want by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Are you a man who hates conflict? You’re not alone. I’ve coached men for 15 years—good and earnest men—95 percent of whom avoid conflict with their partners. If you’re one of them, read on. Honesty is the quickest way to get more of what you (both) want!

Maybe you dread the thought of a two hour talk-a-thon, should you two disagree. If there’s even a hint of dissent in the air, it may feel safer to say, “Fine.” Happy wife, happy life. Right? Could be. But your desires and opinions matter just as much as hers. Continue reading “Divorced Dads: Inside the June 2017 Issue”

Stepmom Guilt: Inside the May 2017 Issue

Not Guilty as Charged: Set Yourself Free of Stepmom Guilt in 7 Steps! by Mary T. Kelly, MA

It plagues you. You think you’re the only one. You’ve tried to talk to friends about it, but they just looked at you as if you were an alien. You approached your partner about it and were immediately rebuffed. You live with this feeling and chide yourself for not being a better person, partner and stepmom. You wonder if you’re a good person at all because no decent person would have the thoughts and feelings you do. Continue reading “Stepmom Guilt: Inside the May 2017 Issue”

Stepmom Blunders: Inside the March 2017 Issue

Stepmom Blunders: 6 Mistakes Nearly Every Stepmother Makes by Mary T. Kelly, MA

The hundreds of women I’ve worked with have more than a few things in common. For one thing, they’re nearly all stepmoms. For another, at some point in their stepfamily journeys, nearly every one of them has become discouraged, gotten burnt out and found herself feeling hopeless about the future. Continue reading “Stepmom Blunders: Inside the March 2017 Issue”

The Perfect Stepmother: Inside the February 2017 Issue

The Perfect Stepmother: Skip the Fairytale and Keep It Real by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Myths about perfection aren’t exclusive to stepfamilies, but still.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard a woman lament the fact that she’s trying to achieve perfection—in her role as a stepmom—and fears she’s failing miserably? I’d be swimming in a sea of Versace, taking laps around my private yacht in Louboutin footwear and throwing back $49,000-a-bottle Dom Pérignon Rose Gold as if it were water. Continue reading “The Perfect Stepmother: Inside the February 2017 Issue”

Teen Stepkids and Money: Inside the January 2017 Issue

Financing Your Stepkids’ Teen Years: Protect Yourself—and Your Savings—From the Teenage Money Pit by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Teens have been known, throughout the ages, to be reckless and careless with their possessions, their lives and those of other people. Some 2,300 years ago, Aristotle wisely said: “The young are heated by Nature, as drunken men by wine.” He should have added that their antics could end up costing a hell of a lot of money. Continue reading “Teen Stepkids and Money: Inside the January 2017 Issue”

Stepmoms vs. Ex-Wives: Inside the November 2016 Issue

Stepmoms vs. Ex-Wives: How to Stop Bad Mouthing His Ex
by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Women are more misogynistic than men. There! I said it. And I meant it.

I came to this sad conclusion after decades of befriending and observing other women. I know that statement may sound sacrilegious and that’s certainly not my intention. Yet, the competition, vitriol and downright meanness among many women just can’t be denied. The judgments and criticisms women foist upon each other are relentless. Continue reading “Stepmoms vs. Ex-Wives: Inside the November 2016 Issue”

Stepmoms and Rejection: Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepmoms and Rejection: 5 Ways to Deal When You’ve Been Dissed by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Do any—or all—of these complaints ring a bell for you? They will if you suspect that the stepkids are none too thrilled with you:

⊲ “I’ve never felt so disliked or unwelcomed.”
⊲ “His ex hates me. Now? His kids hate me, too.”
⊲ “His kids were never warm, friendly or kind—despite my efforts.”
⊲ “My stepdaughter and I were close. She turned 13 and it all went sour.”
⊲ “My stepkids loved me before I moved in. They took a 180-degree turn after I unpacked my bags.” Continue reading “Stepmoms and Rejection: Inside the October 2016 Issue”

False Accusations: In the September 2016 Issue

False Accusations: A Stepcouple Relationship Faces the Ultimate Test by Mary T. Kelly, MA

I want to tell you the story of a couple I recently worked with. They’ve given me permission to share what they went through in the hopes that it may help you and others. It’s a story to which unfortunately many of you may relate. Continue reading “False Accusations: In the September 2016 Issue”

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