StepMom Magazine

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

Stepmoms vs Ex-WivesStepmoms 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”

Parentified Stepchildren: Inside the November 2016 Issue

Parentified StepchildrenThe Parentified Child: When Stepkids Are Forced to Grow Up Too Fast
by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

When an intact family system reorganizes by death or divorce, every family member makes adjustments to the new structure. Unfortunately for the children, the adults are often so steeped in their own emotional pain that they are oblivious— through no real fault of their own—to the unhealthy accommodations their kids wind up making. While this is certainly not optimal for the adults, it can be devastating to the emotional health of their children.

It can be quite common, in one-parent families, for a child to hear that he or she is now the man or woman of the house. Continue reading “Parentified Stepchildren: Inside the November 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Leah Shafer: Inside the November 2016 Issue

Stepmom Leah ShaferStepmom Leah Shafer Is in the House: Can We Get an “Amen!” for This Amazing Woman? Interview by Brenda Ockun, StepMom Magazine Founder & Publisher

Leah Shafer is one amazing stepmom—and mom. She travels internationally as a gospel recording artist. She works with the Denver Broncos, singing the U.S. national anthem at the team’s playoff and AFC Championship games. Continue reading “Stepmom Leah Shafer: Inside the November 2016 Issue”

Stepfamily Holidays: Inside the November 2016 Issue

Stepfamily HolidaysWhose Holiday Is It, Anyway? Make Your Stepfamily Holidays Merry and Bright by Claudette Chenevert and Christine G. Adamo

Have your plans ever been foiled by an ex wanting to take a spur-of-the-moment holiday trip sans kids? A wacky plan to which your partner said, “Yeah, we’ll take ’em!”— thus extinguishing your sugar plum visions of dinner and dancing with the sweetie on New Year’s Eve? (We have.)

Maybe your at-home stepfamily Christmas celebration was derailed by a text Continue reading “Stepfamily Holidays: Inside the November 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Peak Performance: Inside the November 2016 Issue

Stepmom Peak PerformanceSecrets of Stepmom Peak Performance: Mastering Stepfamily Life’s 6 Big Challenges by Iishana Artra, PhD

In my opinion, stepping is an X-sport. Think base jumping or shark surfing. We qualify for this elite distinction because we face unusual challenges while navigating a high number of inherently uncontrollable variables. Given that, who can deny that fast and accurate cognitive and perceptual processing is required to avoid serious injury?

A stepdaughter ignores our hello. Our partner ceases to parent. Continue reading “Stepmom Peak Performance: Inside the November 2016 Issue”

Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepmom Magazine October 2016The October 2016 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

→ What to do when your stepkids snub you
→ How to stop being so mad at your partner’s ex
→ Why you might be overthinking stepfamily life
→ How to bounce back if you’ve hit stepmom rock bottom
→ Legal advice about child support
→ 5 Steps to healing when you’ve been hurt
→ And much more!

Here’s what else you’ll find inside: Continue reading “Inside the October 2016 Issue”

Stepmoms and Rejection: Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepmom RejectionStepmoms 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”

Stepfamily Secrets: Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepfamily SecretsIs Your Stepfamily Lying to You? The Secrets Stepkids, Partners and Exes Keep by Claudette Chenevert

Many stepmoms get frustrated when their stepkids lie about one thing or another. The lies can be major, in an attempt to gloss over breaking curfew, doing drugs, drinking alcohol or stealing. They also can be a series of small lies related to homework, chores or anything else imaginable.

One of the reasons stepmoms seek my help is to deal with such situations. They’re simply not sure of how to handle lying—whether it’s their stepkids fibbing, their partners routinely omitting key information or the exes in their lives embellishing on reality until it’s unrecognizable. Continue reading “Stepfamily Secrets: Inside the October 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Advice: Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepmom AdviceHit Rock Bottom, Stepmom? Pick Yourself Up and Move Your Family Forward in 4 Steps by Amy Bellows, PhD

I grew up in a stepfamily and had played the role of stepmom once before. Going into my remarriage, I was confident I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was committed, in love and ready for the challenge. I learned an important lesson almost immediately: Every stepfamily situation and relationship is different. Continue reading “Stepmom Advice: Inside the October 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Problems: Inside the October 2016 Issue

Stepmom ProblemsThe Angry Stepmom: A Guide to Letting Go and Living Well by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

I have grown to realize that the old adage “It takes one to know one!” wholly applies to us stepmoms. No matter how supportive my family and friends have been throughout the years, it is only sister stepmoms who really get it: feelings of invisibility, red-faced awkwardness at family gatherings and concealed hurt when our stepchildren treat us with hostility or apathy. Continue reading “Stepmom Problems: Inside the October 2016 Issue”