FEATURES
Creating Healthy Boundaries
Why Stepmoms Are Prone to Losing Themselves in the Name of Unity (And How to Make Sure You Don’t!)
by BRENDA SNYDER, LCSW
You don’t need to turn yourself inside out in order to fit in with your stepfamily. Learn how establishing boundaries can help you avoid anger, burn-out and resentment.
The Under-Wars
A Stepmom Goes Back to School to Learn a Valuable Parenting Lesson
by THE SECOND WIFE
Learn how a war over underwear made this stepmom pause and reflect on what was best for the kids.
When Disaster Strikes
Is Your Stepfamily Prepared in the Event of an Emergency?
by DIANNE MARTIN, B.S.W.
Chaos, confusion and terror are the hallmarks of disasters, either natural or manmade. These seven basic steps will help you prepare for and protect your stepfamily if a disaster strikes your community.
Navigating Emotions
Emotional Intelligence and the Stepmom
by JOAN SARIN, M.S.
Part nine 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
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Back to School
Back to Stepfamily Basics
BY HEATHER HETCHLER
HOUSE RULES
Different Parenting Styles
How to Raise Yours, Mine and Ours When You Don’t See Eye to Eye
BY MARY T. KELLY, M.A.
LEGAL MATTERS
Who’s Your Daddy?
My Ex is Making the Kids Call Her New Husband “Dad”! What Can I Do?
BY LARA R. BADAIN, ESQ.
THE 40-YEAR-OLD VERSION
Back-to-School Night
Lesson #1: Dads Belong There, Too
BY JOEL SCHWARTZBERG
LIFE WITH LISA
Considering All Things Equal Mine + Yours = A Balancing Act
BY LISA BRADSHAW
ON THE MONEY
Stepfamily Spending 101
How to Make Back-to-School Budgeting Educational and Fun—for Everyone!
BY EMILY BOUCHARD, MSSW
FOOD AND FUN
Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Craft: Appliqué
BY ASHLEY GRANT
STYLISH STEPMOM
It’s a Transitional Time
Taking Fashion From Summer to Fall
BY HEIDI DUCATO
OUTLOOK
Events, Resources & Community