TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
My Scary Step Story
A Young Woman’s First College Apartment is a Stepmom’s Worst Nightmare
by THE SECOND WIFE
As our stepkids grow up and begin making their own decisions, we’re bound to be horrified by a few of them—especially the ones which speak to our fear of failure as a stepmom.
Co-Parenting or Parallel Parenting?
Finding a Balanced Approach to Raising Children After the Divorce
by SUSAN SWANSON, Ph.D., LCSW
Learn what co-parenting and parallel parenting are, what they aren’t and when to choose one over the other to ensure that your stepkids don’t get caught in the middle or fall between the cracks of their parents’ broken relationship.
The Name Game
When Better-Sounding Labels Get in the Way of Better Relationships
by MARY T. KELLY, M.A.
When you focus more on being a great partner and less on being a bonus mom, you’ve got a much higher likelihood for finding success— no matter what anyone calls you.
The Gift of Empathy
Emotional Intelligence and the Stepmom
by JOAN SARIN, M.S.
Part 10 of an ongoing series that examines the fundamental EQ competencies of knowing yourself, choosing your responses and giving of yourself.
DEPARTMENTS
BRENDA’S CORNER: Letter From the Publisher
URBAN STEPMOM: Instant Stepmom
Just Add TIME!
by LISA BAGSHAW
THE EX FACTOR: Saying Yes to the Ex
6 Reasons He Instinctively Says Yes When You Want Him to Say No!
by JENNA KORF
TIME OUT: Stop Overthinking Everything!
How to Rid Yourself of Rumination and Negativity
by BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW
LEGAL MATTERS: Lawyers and Legal Fees
How To Get The Most For Your Money
by LARA R. BADAIN, Esq.
COUPLES CORNER: Fighting Fair
12 Tips to Help You Manage Conflict & Strengthen Your Stepfamily
by GAYLA GRACE
STEPMOM MEMOIRS: Shifting Perspectives
Becoming a Mom Helped Me Understand My Husband’s Ex
by STACY SPENCER THOMPSON
STEPPING STONES: Death in a Stepfamily
Coming Together When Life Gets Complicated
by LAURA PETHERBRIDGE
SPECIAL REPORT: The Cutting Truth
No One Ever Signs Up for This
by ANONYMOUS
LIFE WITH LISA: Quiet in the Courtroom
A Stepmom’s Desire to Be Heard
by LISA BRADSHAW
FOOD AND FUN:
Craft: Halloween Headstones Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup
by ASHLEY GRANT
OUTLOOK: Events, Resources & Community
Photos from The Stepmom Retreat in Dallas