TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
Haunted Houses: When You Marry a Widower
By Wednesday Martin, Ph.D.
Though statistically more rare, remarriage after the death of a spouse is no less complicated or difficult than remarriage after divorce. Wednesday Martin explores the unique challenges these stepmoms face.
Guilty or Not Guilty?
By Dr. Susan Swanson
After a divorce, it’s easy to develop bad habits and lose sight of your role in raising your children. Here’s how to get back on track.
The Myths of Co-Parenting
By Mary T. Kelly, M.A.
While we all most likely agree that is best for children if their parents can respectfully co-parent after divorce, how realistic is it? The author explores what is ideal in theory and what is realistic in most stepfamily situations.
Forgiveness, Acceptance and Love Define a Family: An Interview with Traci Dority
By Heather Hetchler
Heather Hetchler speaks with actress Traci Dority about her life growing up in multiple stepfamilies and her vision for the movie she wrote and is producing, “Nuclear Families.”
Departments
Brenda’s Corner
Letter from the publisher.
Urban Stepmom
Lisa Bagshaw chooses to be happy.
House Rules
Claudette Chenevert offers tips and tools to help you parent all the children in your home.
Legal Matters
Lara Badain, Esq., with a Children’s Bill of Rights.
Outlook
Photos from a recent stepmom event in Ohio.
Life on the Tipping Point
Ms. Taken’s antidote to the poison of parental alienation.
Couples Corner
Susan Wisdom, M.A., on advancing a relationship that’s stuck in a rut.
Stepping Stones
Joel Schwartzberg with 10 tips for new moms (and stepmoms, too).
Words of Wisdom
Emily Bouchard, MSSW, with steps to get past the guilt and onto forgiveness and freedom.
Advice from the Experts
Our panel of stepfamily experts addresses bedroom boundaries.
From the Kitchen
Summer food favorites from our readers.
Stylish Stepmom
Heidi Ducato’s must-have items for last-minute summer getaways.
Crafts with Your Stepkids
Wendy L. Deppe with three fun crafts.
Words of Wisdom