Inside the March 2018 Issue

StepMom March 2018 CoverThe March 2018 issue is HERE! This month’s issue is full of helpful advice and information to make your job as a stepmom easier, including:

→ Advice from ‘Stepmonster’ author, Wednesday Martin, PhD
→ A guide to understanding personality disorders
→ Strategies for becoming more assertive
→ Communication tips for you and your partner
→ 6 Ways to support a special needs stepchild
→ Tips to shift your outlook from powerless to peaceful
→ And much more!

Here’s the full list of what’s inside this month:  Continue reading “Inside the March 2018 Issue”

Personality Disorders: Inside the March 2018 Issue

Personality DisordersBipolar, Borderline, Narcissist
Is She Being Difficult—or Is It a Mental Health Disorder?
BY BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW

Having operated in my profession for more than 20 years, I sometimes forget that the terms relative to diagnoses with which I am so familiar are not always used in ways that would meet with the approval of my former graduate school professors.

When my colleagues and I use certain clinical terms— like Bipolar, Borderline or Narcissist—we are referring to specific sets of diagnostic criteria. Continue reading “Personality Disorders: Inside the March 2018 Issue”

The Assertive Stepmom: Inside the March 2018 Issue

Assertive StepmomThe Assertive Stepmom
How to ‘Say’ What You Need to Say
BY MARY T. KELLY, MA

American Singer/Songwriter and Guitarist John Mayer won a 2008 Grammy for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” for his rendition of “Say” (2007), which originally appeared on the “Bucket List” film soundtrack. I find the song wonderful and wise.

When you’re a woman partnered with someone who has children, there’s a lot you’d like to say. Still, you leave lots of things unsaid. Continue reading “The Assertive Stepmom: Inside the March 2018 Issue”

Interview with Wednesday Martin, PhD: Inside the March 2018 Issue

Wednesday Martin StepmonsterStruggling With the “Stepmonster” in You?
Insight and Advice from Wednesday Martin, PhD
BY STEPMOM STAFF

Social Researcher, Author and Cultural Critic “at large, in high heels,” Wednesday Martin, PhD, tugged at the roots of the stepfamily tree with the 2009 release of her book “Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel and Act the Way We Do.” A Books for a Better Life Award finalist, the title continues to be a must-read. Continue reading “Interview with Wednesday Martin, PhD: Inside the March 2018 Issue”

Estranged Stepkids: Inside the March 2018 Issue

Estranged StepkidsAre Your Stepkids Strangers to You?
The Impact of Estrangement on Stepfamilies and First Families
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT

I recently spoke with Jennifer, who’s a stepmom with two grown stepdaughters.

“I don’t understand,” Jennifer said. “We call them. We leave messages. They never return our calls. Plus, I have a feeling they’re withholding our grandkids from us. We don’t seem to be able to visit with them. I know the girls were upset that their parents divorced but that was years ago.” Continue reading “Estranged Stepkids: Inside the March 2018 Issue”

Inside the February 2018 Issue

StepMom Magazine February 2018The February 2018 issue is HERE! It’s jam-packed with expert tips, tools and advice plus personal essays from stepmoms just like you:

→ 5 Things Happy Stepmoms Do Every Day
→ Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Throwing in the Towel
→ 6 Tips for When You Feel Ignored or Rejected
→ A Guide to Self-Love (and how it can make your life EASIER!)
→ Strategies for Stepmoms Who Want to Disengage
→ Advice from Ron L. Deal (“The Smart Stepfamily Marriage”)
→ And much more!

Here’s what else you’ll find inside: Continue reading “Inside the February 2018 Issue”

The Smart Stepfamily Marriage: Inside the February 2018 Issue

Smart Stepfamily Marriage‘The Smart Stepfamily Marriage’
Expert Tips & Advice from Ron L. Deal
BY KRISTEN WILKINSON, PSYD

It may be the dead of winter but—on the upside—Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. A romantic and heartfelt holiday for some, it can be considered cliché by others. Regardless of where you stand and with 2018 well under way, renewal is still a topic of discussion among stepfamilies who look to the future in hopes of finding ways to make this their best yet. Continue reading “The Smart Stepfamily Marriage: Inside the February 2018 Issue”

Stepmoms Who Disengage: Inside the February 2018 Issue

Stepmoms Who DisengageStepmoms Who Disengage: Stepping Back Gracefully Isn’t Easy (Here’s How to Do It!) BY ERIN CARELESS, PHD

As a stepmother, you’ve probably heard these phrases more than once before:

“JUST LET IT GO.”
“STEP BACK FOR NOW.”
“DISENGAGE WITH LOVE.”

Being a stepmom comes with its own unique set of challenges and, very often, not a whole lot of support. Continue reading “Stepmoms Who Disengage: Inside the February 2018 Issue”

Karyn Turk: Inside the February 2018 Issue

StepMom Interviews Karyn Turk
This Social Media Maven Is the Real Deal
BY STEPMOM STAFF

Karyn Turk is one of social media’s most authentic personalities, as evidenced by her impressive following. The host of Ethos Media Network’s “Eye on South Florida” and former CBS exec is known for her high-energy interviews with major celebrities. She’s also a resource of information on issues which matter to modern women. Continue reading “Karyn Turk: Inside the February 2018 Issue”