Your Special Needs Stepchild
Advice From Stepmoms in the Trenches
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT
I don’t think I need to tell you that being a stepmom can be challenging, complicated, difficult, rewarding and fun. Maybe not all at the same time but, at some point point, those qualifiers usually come into play when you’re a stepmom. If you’re a stepmom to a special needs stepchild, that may require extra tools which some of us (myself included) may not have considered—until now.
As a stepfamily coach, I’ve met several stepmoms who were dealing with challenging stepkids. Some of those children have diagnosed mental health or mood disorders. Others face social challenges. A few have engaged in dangerous behavior. Stepmoms in those situations need additional help and support, in order to know what to do and when (or how) to get involved.
I recently had the chance to talk with three such amazing stepmoms. They granted me permission to share their stories, hoping they can help other stepmoms who are dealing with similar issues. …To read this article, log in and download the May 2018 issue. Don’t have an account? Click here to subscribe.