Tag: disengaging for stepmoms

The High-Conflict Ex – Inside the April 2016 Issue

High Conflict Ex Wife
Inside the April 2016 Issue

The High-Conflict Ex: 5 Tips for Managing Your Partner’s Past by Trisha Ladogna

Dealing with a high-conflict ex can be one of the hardest things a stepcouple faces. It can be difficult to know what to do or where to get the right support. The tension and conflict it stirs up can cause us to act against our natural instincts when it comes to arriving at trusting, open, empathetic responses and managing difficulty.

If not handled well, it can cause us to become edgy and feel defensive—or entirely helpless. These negative feelings and responses can then spill over into our relationships with our partners, children and stepchildren to create chaos in our most important relationships. Continue reading “The High-Conflict Ex – Inside the April 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Resentment – Inside the February 2016 Issue

stepmom resentment
Inside the February 2016 Issue

Stepmoms Who Give Too Much: 4 Signs You’re Pushing Yourself Down the Path of Martyrdom by Claudette Chenevert

Stepmom resentment. As stepmoms, we sometimes sacrifice time with friends, extended family and even ourselves to cater to our partners and/or stepkids. We do this in part (and often subconsciously) in the hope that we’ll be viewed as the ideal stepmom—the one who’s there for everyone. Yet, when we’re finally exhausted and recognize we’re in need of help, little to none can be found.

Do you ever try to be all things to all people only to realize that no one truly notices or benefits from it as much as you thought they would? Continue reading “Stepmom Resentment – Inside the February 2016 Issue”

Stepmom Resentment – Inside the January 2016 Issue

Stepmom Resentment
Inside the January 2016 Issue

Stepmoms and Resentment: What It Means and Why You’re Not Alone by Wednesday Martin, PhD

In the course of researching my book, “Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do,” I was reminded time and again that there are a handful of emotions that are just too taboo for those of us married to men with kids to admit having.

Often an interview with one of my subjects would have to go on for 30 or 45 minutes before the woman speaking with me felt she could express feelings she feared I might judge her for having. More than once, I had to pave the way to disclosure by going first: “There were days I was so angry at my husband and his daughter for shutting me out that I wanted to leave.” Continue reading “Stepmom Resentment – Inside the January 2016 Issue”

Tired of Being a Stepmom – Inside the September 2015 Issue

Tired Stepmom
Inside the Sept. 2015 Issue

Tired of Being a Stepmom? Science Says Taking the High Road Isn’t Easy by Christina Roach, LMHC, NCC, DCC

We all know being a stepmom can be a tiresome business— with some days feeling  more draining than others. Countless scenarios are primed to put us in positions where we can choose to either take the high road or succumb to exposing our uncensored thoughts.

Whether it’s par for the course of the role we’re in or not, many stepmoms are  faced with predicaments in which they feel a need to wield restraint over their impulses. Maybe you’ve crafted Pollyanna-type responses to yourself about false allegations made by the ex, your stepchildren’s selective hearing or (what you perceive to be) your partner’s misguided parenting style. Continue reading “Tired of Being a Stepmom – Inside the September 2015 Issue”

Inside the April 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

April 2015 Issue
The April 2015 Issue

The April 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

This month offers you lots of great advice on some pretty touchy topics—and a few taboo ones! Sometimes we really do have to learn to live with things: stepchildren we don’t like, exes who interfere in our relationships and changes that are beyond our control (yet affect our daily lives).

But a stepmom’s happiness and well-being are just as important as anyone else’s are. This month, our writers help you under- stand what you can do to work through the inevitable without sacrificing either one.

So, don’t settle by simply “learning to live with things” that don’t feel right. Read on and learn to thrive! Here’s what you’ll find inside when you subscribe: Continue reading “Inside the April 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine”

Inside the March 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

March 2015 Issue
The March 2015 Issue

The March 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

The articles in this month’s issue are designed to help you go the distance in your role as a stepmom. Are you feeling burned out or unappreciated? Brenda Snyder’s article on disengaging will show you how to step back, regroup and keep going.

Is the ex a source of conflict in your home? We’ll teach you how to break the hold she has over your household—for good! Maybe life’s pretty calm right now and you simply want a few pointers on strengthening your stepfamily muscles. You’ll find that here, too.

Going the distance is infinitely easier with friends around who support and understand you. Here? You’re surrounded by them!

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

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”