Tag: blended family advice

Inside the June 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

June 2015 StepMom Magazine
The June 2015 Issue

 

The June 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

In honor of Father’s Day, this month’s Special Edition is designed specifically FOR THE MEN in our lives. You’ll find it chock full of articles which you and your partner can read separately–or together!

This edition addresses problems your partner struggles with most often (like feeling stuck in the middle). It also speaks to topics you find challenging (like feeling valued and supported). More than just a helpful resource, it’s a great tool for starting conversations with your mate.

Here’s what you’ll find inside when you subscribe: Continue reading “Inside the June 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine”

A Stepfamily Wedding – State Farm’s Newest Ad Campaign

Stepfamily Ad State Farm
State Farm ad targets remarried couples: “Sometimes at last doesn’t happen at first.”

Remarriage is on the rise and State Farm knows it. The insurance conglomerate released a commercial last month featuring a mom of one and a dad of two exchanging vows as their children cautiously look on.

If statistics are any indication, the ad will resonate with a large percentate of the U.S. population. According to recent surveys, the Pew Research Center reports: “Four in ten new marriages include at least one partner who has been married before and the number of adults who have ever remarried now stands at 42 million–a threefold increase since 1960.” Continue reading “A Stepfamily Wedding – State Farm’s Newest Ad Campaign”

Inside the January 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

January 2015 Issue
The January 2015 Issue

The January 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is here!

Being a stepmom is a lot like making New Year’s resolutions. You begin with high hopes and great intentions. You set lofty goals. You formulate a plan and you try your hardest to stick to it. Then? Life happens. The stepkids act up. The ex drags your partner back to court. You find yourself simultaneously juggling child support payments, visitation schedules and different parenting philosophies.

Over time? Your enthusiasm wanes. Some days? You feel like you’re right back where you started—at square one. Yet, with new resolve, you start over. (Again.)

Find your strength and the power to start over (if you need to) and make it your best year ever! Here’s what you’ll find inside when you subscribe: Continue reading “Inside the January 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine”

Stepmoms: Our Holiday Gift to You

Stepmom Holiday Gift
Brenda Ockun and her husband, Gregg.

A Message from Brenda:
I receive letters from readers all year long but, the messages I receive this time of year are always a little extra special to me. I think it’s because I understand how challenging the holiday season can be for stepmoms.

Earlier this month I received a letter from a stepmom who shared her thoughts with me. She said: “Since I moved in with my partner and his kids I’ve felt unhinged. But reading the magazine makes me feel like someone has crawled inside my head. It is the best gift I could have given myself this year.”

Her note made me think. Continue reading “Stepmoms: Our Holiday Gift to You”

A Holiday Survival Guide for Stepmothers

By Brenda Snyder, LCSW Originally published in the Nov. 2012 issue of StepMom Magazine.

The holiday season is upon us! It’s “the most wonderful time of the year!” But sometimes, for stepmoms, the very times that are supposed to make us the happiest can have the opposite effect.

As a childless stepmother, I couldn’t wait to share my mother’s awesome Christmas Eve tradition of having Santa Claus visit from the North Pole. Continue reading “A Holiday Survival Guide for Stepmothers”

6 Things Remarried Dads Owe Their Stepmom Wives

This article by Joel Schwartzberg originally appeared in the Dec. 2009 issue of StepMom Magazine.

When Hollywood superstar Sandra Bullock married TV celebrity Jesse James, she took on the most challenging part of her life – not just his wife, but stepmother to his five-year-old daughter Sunny. Fresh from playing a reluctant romantic partner in The Proposal, Bullock jumped into her reality role with complete commitment, slowing her career, facing down a trouble-prone ex-wife, comforting a stressed-out husband, connecting with James’ two other children, and by her own admission, putting personal motherhood plans on hold for Sunny’s benefit. Continue reading “6 Things Remarried Dads Owe Their Stepmom Wives”

National Stepfamily Day is September 16

National Stepfamily DayChristy Borgeld, a remarried mom and stepmom, initiated National Stepfamily Day in 1997. Her goal was to create a holiday that would bring the need for stepfamily support and awareness to the nation’s forefront while, at the same time, provide today’s modern family with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their relationships. Continue reading “National Stepfamily Day is September 16”

A Mixed Blessing for Stepfamilies? There’s S’more to Learn from Honey Maid’s New “This is Wholesome” Ad Campaign

Stepfamily Information and Support
Brenda Ockun
Publisher of StepMom Magazine

In 1973, a postage stamp cost 8 cents, “The Brady Bunch” was in its fourth year of production and I was in kindergarten.

My teacher, Ms. Rahn, was a tall, thin woman with overly teased, brassy blond hair. We kids walked to school—where we read “Dick and Jane” books, ate cookies and drank whole milk before taking 20-minute naps. We sat cross-legged, in circles, on the floor while learning the virtues of sharing and waiting your turn. And nearly everyone’s parents were still married, as far as we knew. Continue reading “A Mixed Blessing for Stepfamilies? There’s S’more to Learn from Honey Maid’s New “This is Wholesome” Ad Campaign”

How To Find A Good Stepfamily Therapist

Did you know that the wrong therapist can actually make your situation worse? It’s true! Watch this video for tips on how to find a qualified therapist to help you work through the most common stepfamily challenges.

Tell us what you think about this video. Have you ever worked with a therapist? Do you think it might help your stepfamily situation? Continue reading “How To Find A Good Stepfamily Therapist”

How To Keep The Ex Out Of Your Relationship

Do you spend too much time thinking about your partner’s ex-wife? Watch this video and learn how to focus LESS on her and MORE on your relationship.

Stepmoms: Leave a comment below and tell us what you think! Do you talk so much about the ex it almost feels like she lives with you? Are you ready to set boundaries and try the strategy explained in this video? Continue reading “How To Keep The Ex Out Of Your Relationship”