Tag: stepfamily dynamics

Stepmoms in the White House

Stepmoms in the White House
What it Means for Women Like Us
By Wednesday Martin, PhD

The U.S.’s current First Lady, the wife of its President-elect and its incoming Vice President are all women who’ve partnered with men who brought along kids from previous relationships. And it’s about time!

Stepfamilies now outnumber what so-called experts used to and sometimes still call “intact” families, as if stepfamilies (statistically the new normal) are inherently broken or ruptured in comparison. We’re not. We’re just a bit or, in some cases, a lot more complicated. So what? Continue reading “Stepmoms in the White House”

Inside the July 2020 Issue

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Inside the September 2019 Issue

See what else is inside the September 2019 issue …  Continue reading “Inside the September 2019 Issue”

Inside the July 2019 Issue

See what else is inside the July 2019 issue …  Continue reading “Inside the July 2019 Issue”

Inside the April 2019 Issue

See what else is inside the April 2019 issue …  Continue reading “Inside the April 2019 Issue”

Inside the December 2018 Issue

See what else is inside this month’s edition… Continue reading “Inside the December 2018 Issue”

Stepfamily Struggles: Inside the August 2018 Issue

Stepfamily Struggles“My Husband Hates My Child!”
10 Steps to Bridging the Gap Between Them
BY LAURA PETHERBRIDGE

Some situations are so serious that they require immediate attention. The following scenario is a perfect example.

“Laura, my husband hates my son,” Stepmom Megan lamented. “And I’m not exaggerating.”

“It’s so obvious that even our friends and family notice. Continue reading “Stepfamily Struggles: Inside the August 2018 Issue”

Expecting Stepmoms: Inside the August 2018 Issue

Expecting StepmomsStepmom’s Having a Baby!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
BY ERIN CARELESS, PHD

One line, two lines … positive! You’re having a baby!

I vividly remember looking at that pregnancy test strip and erupting into shocked, nervous, excited giggles. I went straight to a kids’ clothing store and bought a tiny white onesie with the word “Petite” inscribed on it. I wrapped the pregnancy test in the onesie, placed them both in a gift bag and impatiently waited for him to come home from work. Continue reading “Expecting Stepmoms: Inside the August 2018 Issue”

Adult Stepchildren: Inside the August 2018 Issue

Adult StepchildrenAdult Stepchildren
The Good, the Bad and the Surprising
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT

The stepkids are finally out of the house! No more arguments or confrontations with the ex. No more custody battles. No more last-minute schedule changes. No more stepfamily drama. We can finally move on with our lives and focus on our relationships. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

If you’re wondering what life may be like once your stepkids become adults, Continue reading “Adult Stepchildren: Inside the August 2018 Issue”

Are Stepmoms Family? Inside the July 2018 Issue

Dads Wife“Dad’s Wife” The Real Reasons Stepkids Don’t Consider Us Family By Brenda Snyder, LCSW

Parents are parents. Grandparents are grandparents. So decreed my stepson, during the height of his wedding planning (circa 2009). A seemingly innocuous statement, I knew that he was ensuring that I would be recognized only as his “dad’s wife” and that my mother would not be given a corsage. I was 13 years into this stepfamily and, thus, had a pretty thick skin by that time.

Still, what is it about this stepkid relationship that makes it impossible for them to recognize us stepmoms as part of their families? In my experience, there are at least five reasons they fail to bring us into the fold. Continue reading “Are Stepmoms Family? Inside the July 2018 Issue”