TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
Say What? Stepmom Comebacks: What to Say When the Unthinkable is Said to You
By Heather Hetchler
Suggested language that you can use, customize and share with others when something jaw-dropping is said to you.
Are You an Evil Stepmother? Of Course Not! (But Maybe It’s Time for a Little Self-Reflection)
By Mary T. Kelly, M.A.
You can’t control all the other people in your life, but you can control yourself. A little bit of self-examination can go a long way.
And Baby Makes…What to Expect When a Stepmom is Expecting
By Brenda Snyder, LCSW
A few things to remember if you’re a stepmom who is expecting a baby.
Stepmoms and Anxiety: Understanding the Signs, the Sources and the Solutions
By Susan Davis Swanson, Ph.D., LCSW
Tools to help reduce anxiety and quiet your mind.
Emotional Intelligence and the Stepmom: Intrinsic Motivation
By Joan Sarin, M.S.
Part four of an ongoing series that examines the fundamental EQ competencies of knowing yourself, choosing your responses and giving of yourself.
DEPARTMENTS
BRENDA’S CORNER: Letter From The Publisher
URBAN STEPMOM: Tame Your Inner Child and Overcome Your Fears
I CAN handle this. I WILL figure this out. I AM smart and capable.
By Lisa Bagshaw
THE INSIDE SCOOP: Moms and Stepmoms
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
By Stacy Spencer Thompson
LEGAL MATTERS: Child Protective Services
What to Do if You’re Falsely Accused
By Lara R. Badain, ESQ.
THE EX FACTOR: Venom From the Ex-Wife?
She Doesn’t Hate You. She Hates What You Represent.
By Jenna Korf
VANTAGE POINT: Stepmom or BFF?
All Relationships Are Not Created Equal
By Diane Greene
STEPPING STONES: An Instant Family
From Simply Single to Suddenly Stepmom
By Christina McGhee
SPECIAL REPORT: The Gray Divorce
What is Happening?
By Laura Petherbridge
LIFE WITH LISA: Anniversary of Lessons
The Power of Love Never Dies
By Lisa Bradshaw
ON THE MONEY: Tax Time for Stepfamilies
Information for Last-Minute Filers
By Emily Bouchard, MSSW
FOOD AND FUN
RECIPE: Garlic Fries
CRAFT: Monster Doll
By Ashley Grant
STYLISH STEPMOM: April Showers of Sandals
Spring has sprung!
By Heidi Ducato
OUTLOOK: Stepmom Profiles
Real Stories from Real Stepmoms