Expert Stepfamily Advice for Any Woman Whose Partner Has Kids
Parental Alienation Advice
Amy J. L. Baker, PhD, Speaks With StepMom Magazine
BY KRISTEN WILKINSON, PSYD
Several different phenomena arise when a couple divorces, just as when a stepfamily forms. Many of these experiences are so common that they actually have a scientific or scholarly name assigned to them. Parental Alienation fits within this category.
Alienation occurs when a married couple with children divorces Continue reading “Parental Alienation Advice: Inside the April 2018 Issue”
Your Mother-in-Law and His Ex
Are They Too Close for Comfort?
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT
Does your mother-in-law stay in touch with the ex? This, despite the problems and issues she’s caused for you and your partner? If so, you may feel betrayed by your mother-in-law or find her talk of “the good old days” off-putting. Not to mention their friendship, which is yet another reminder that the ex is lurking in the background. Continue reading “Your Mother-in-Law and His Ex: Inside the April 2018 Issue”
The Childless Stepmom
6 Ways to Cope With Infertility
BY KELLY PALMQUIST, MSW
How many times have you been asked, “Do you have any children?” For as many times as I’ve been asked (hint: a lot), I still feel uncomfortable each and every time. My heart drops to my belly and I feel a lump in my throat. I then explain that I have a 17-year-old stepson who lives with us full-time.
My response is most frequently followed by, “So, do you plan to have children of your own?” Continue reading “Stepmoms and Infertility: Inside the April 2018 Issue”
Do You Copy, Stepmom?
How to Get Your Point Across: The Do’s and Don’ts
BY MARY T. KELLY, MA
When I’m working with couples, it’s not uncommon for each person to try to not only convince their partner why their position is the “right” one but to also try to convince me. There will be a back-and-forth exchange between the couple and then the inevitable look in my direction. Like a referee, they expect me to declare a winner. Continue reading “Stepcouple Communication: Inside the April 2018 Issue”
Bipolar, 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
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”
Struggling 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”
Are 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”
Ready to Quit, Stepmom? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Throwing in the Towel BY BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW
I’m a big fan of marriage. I’m one of those old-fashioned types who believes we were designed to head through life two-by-two. I get teary-eyed over the gentleman, age 80, who still views his bride as the young beauty who was his first love. I adore weddings—the big church kind, where the bride wears a veil and her dad gives her away. I think love is awesome. Continue reading “Ready to Quit, Stepmom? Inside the February 2018 Issue”
‘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”