Tag: self care for stepmoms

Emotional Abuse: Inside the August 2017 Issue

Emotional AbuseThe Emotionally Abusive Relationship: You Don’t Have to Take It Anymore by Mary T. Kelly, MA

There might as well be eggshells all over your floor. Or how about this? There might as well be eggs all over your floor—with you spending your days tiptoeing around them, lest you step on one and create a mess. You feel tense, unsure, out of sorts and lonely. You long for the partner you fell in love with. The partner who was loving and caring. The time you spent together was wonderful!

Then something shifted. Unexpected dark clouds began shadowing your otherwise bright and beautiful days together. Continue reading “Emotional Abuse: Inside the August 2017 Issue”

Stepfamily Resources: Inside the July 2017 Issue

Stepfamily Resources

by Mary T. Kelly, MA

It’s so much harder than you expected it to be. Hell, if you’re gonna be really honest, it’s so tough you spend inordinate amounts of time wondering if it’s even worth it. What is this “it” that’s causing you—and others like you—to feel so much consternation? It’s the experience of being, or the thought of becoming, a stepmom.

“I’ve been living a sad tale for 16 years,” a reader recently shared on the StepMom Magazine Facebook page. “I wonder now if it was worth it.”

Continue reading “Stepfamily Resources: Inside the July 2017 Issue”

The Grieving Stepchild: Inside the May 2017 Issue

The Grieving StepchildStepmothering and The Grieving Child: Our Interview With Diane Ingram Fromme by Heather Hetchler, MA

Losing a parent is one of life’s biggest heartaches. When a parent dies, loss is felt and grief begins.

Grief is part of the healing process and anyone who does life with a person who is grieving is along for the journey, including a stepmother. Whether the child grew up motherless or mom passed away after Dad remarried, a stepmom is wise to seek tools that help her navigate the loss and grief which encompass the experience of motherless children. Continue reading “The Grieving Stepchild: Inside the May 2017 Issue”

Stepmom Guilt: Inside the May 2017 Issue

Stepmom GuiltNot Guilty as Charged: Set Yourself Free of Stepmom Guilt in 7 Steps! by Mary T. Kelly, MA

It plagues you. You think you’re the only one. You’ve tried to talk to friends about it, but they just looked at you as if you were an alien. You approached your partner about it and were immediately rebuffed. You live with this feeling and chide yourself for not being a better person, partner and stepmom. You wonder if you’re a good person at all because no decent person would have the thoughts and feelings you do. Continue reading “Stepmom Guilt: Inside the May 2017 Issue”

Stepmom Resentment: Inside the April 2017 Issue

Stepmom ResentmentStepfamily Life Isn’t Fair! Shake Resentment and Find the Happiness You Deserve By Mary T. Kelly, MA

You think about it in the car, in the shower and in your office. You think about it whether you’re in the kitchen, in bed or working out. You even think about it as you meditate. Or, try to meditate. You think about it in your sleep. Continue reading “Stepmom Resentment: Inside the April 2017 Issue”

Stepmom Spring Fling: Inside the March 2017 Issue

Stepmom Spring Fling - StepMom MagazineA Stepmom’s Spring Fling: Why You Need A GrownUp Vacation (and How to Get One) by Kate Chapman

This time of year always finds me itching for an escape. The short winter days have dulled my senses and darkened my mood. The sensible resolutions I’ve made (i.e.,clean out the closets, eat healthy foods, structure my spending) have made the start of the year all work— and no fun. The weather is warming just enough to make me ache for long sunny days and warm ocean breezes. Continue reading “Stepmom Spring Fling: Inside the March 2017 Issue”

The Perfect Stepmother: Inside the February 2017 Issue

Perfect StepmotherThe Perfect Stepmother: Skip the Fairytale and Keep It Real by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Myths about perfection aren’t exclusive to stepfamilies, but still.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard a woman lament the fact that she’s trying to achieve perfection—in her role as a stepmom—and fears she’s failing miserably? I’d be swimming in a sea of Versace, taking laps around my private yacht in Louboutin footwear and throwing back $49,000-a-bottle Dom Pérignon Rose Gold as if it were water. Continue reading “The Perfect Stepmother: Inside the February 2017 Issue”

The Passionate Stepmom: Inside the February 2017 Issue

Passionate StepmomThe Passionate Stepmom: Creating the Sex Life You Deserve by Liana Palmerio-McIvor, RP

As a sex therapist, I see many different people with a range of issues. Some feel a need for sexual intimacy and some don’t. Some think they aren’t having enough sex. And some aren’t satisfied with the sex they’re having. Most, however, believe that sexual intimacy is an important part of their relationships.

Personally and professionally, I believe sex is important. But, as a stepmom, I know there are challenges Continue reading “The Passionate Stepmom: Inside the February 2017 Issue”

Stepmoms and Rear-View Mirrors: Inside the January 2017 Issue

Stepmoms and Rear-View MirrorsStepmoms and Rear-View Mirrors: 4 Rules for Leaving Anger and Negativity Behind You by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

Being a stepmother is the hardest job I’ve ever had. I have been challenged emotionally, intellectually and physically. I have been forced to define and redefine myself as a woman, a family member and a spouse. I have weathered rejection, apathy, hostility and betrayal. Continue reading “Stepmoms and Rear-View Mirrors: Inside the January 2017 Issue”

Self-Compassion for Stepmoms: Inside the January 2017 Issue

Self-Compassion for StepmomsSelf-Compassion for Stepmoms: Learn to Be Kind and Compassionate to Yourself by Kristen Wilkinson, MA

Do you remember the last time you said negative things about yourself— to yourself? Negative self-talk can look differently for everyone, but there are usually similar general themes. Many people, especially women, talk down to themselves about their body image, their parenting styles, their romantic relationships and their work lives. Continue reading “Self-Compassion for Stepmoms: Inside the January 2017 Issue”