Tag: stepcouples

Inside the August 2017 Issue

August 2017 IssueThe August 2017 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

This month we’re talking about:

→ Mini-Wife Syndrome: What to do if your stepdaughter has it
→ Emotional Abuse: Recognizing the signs and solutions
→ Your Stepchild: Why playing games can help you bond
→ The Ex: How to let go of your resentment toward her
→ Loyalty Binds: What to do if your stepchild complains about you
→ Becoming a Stepmom: What the research tells us
→ And More!
Here’s a look at what’s inside: Continue reading “Inside the August 2017 Issue”

Stepfamily Weddings: Inside the August 2017 Issue

Stepfamily WeddingsStepfamily Weddings: What Comes After You Walk Down the Isle? by Kristen Wilkinson, MA

Ah, wedding season! A time of love, reflection, union and dedication. Weddings take on all different shapes and sizes: destination weddings in the Caribbean, romantic European occasions, glamorous urban affairs and rustic country gatherings.

No matter how a wedding looks on its surface there is bound to be fun, laughter, music, drinks, food and—of course—love! However, for couples who are preparing to enter into a stepfamily, there are special considerations and circumstances worth exploring both before and after saying, “I do!” Continue reading “Stepfamily Weddings: Inside the August 2017 Issue”

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”

Stepparenting Is a Team Sport: Inside the June 2017 Issue

Smart StepparentingStepparenting Is a Team Sport: 4 “Smart” Ways to Set Your Partner Up for the Win by Ron L. Deal, LMFT, and Laura Petherbridge

Dear Dad: She can’t do it without you.

You’ve married an incredible woman. She makes you smile, supports your work, laughs at your jokes and has agreed to help you raise your children. How awesome is that?!

However, her ability to fulfill the role of stepmom is dependent upon you doing yours. Continue reading “Stepparenting Is a Team Sport: Inside the June 2017 Issue”

Stepfamily Success: Inside the June 2017 Issue

Stepfamily SuccessSet Your Stepfamily Up for Success: 8 Ways to Make Life Easier on the Woman You Love—and Your Kids! by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

You’re probably starting to gather that being a stepmom is not easy. Your job, as the man in the middle, is no picnic either. All you really want is peace: for everyone to get along and for the tension and conflict to disappear for good. Falling in love with a great woman was a good start, as she can help you make that happen.

In theory, the woman you adore and the children who light up your world ought to get along. Life should sail smoothly along. This is sometimes easier said than done. Continue reading “Stepfamily Success: Inside the June 2017 Issue”

Stepfamily Expectations: Inside the June 2017 Issue

Stepfamily ExpectationsRewrite Your Stepfamily’s Story: Expectations vs. Acceptance by Andy Hetchler

My wife, Heather, is an avid reader. She can read something once, yet she’ll remember every detail and every character for years. I, on the other hand, vaguely remember reading “Great Expectations” while I was still in high school. I loosely recall the author as Charles Dickens and one of its main characters, Pip.

That’s about it. Still, while I can’t recall many details of the book, I think of the title often. For me it encapsulates a theme I took into my remarriage with kids. Heather and I exchanged vows more than 10 years ago, combining ourselves and our six kids into one stepfamily. Continue reading “Stepfamily Expectations: Inside the June 2017 Issue”

Divorced Dads: Inside the June 2017 Issue

Divorced DadsStraight Talking Divorced Dads: 7 Ways to Get More of What You (Both) Want by Mary T. Kelly, MA

Are you a man who hates conflict? You’re not alone. I’ve coached men for 15 years—good and earnest men—95 percent of whom avoid conflict with their partners. If you’re one of them, read on. Honesty is the quickest way to get more of what you (both) want!

Maybe you dread the thought of a two hour talk-a-thon, should you two disagree. If there’s even a hint of dissent in the air, it may feel safer to say, “Fine.” Happy wife, happy life. Right? Could be. But your desires and opinions matter just as much as hers. Continue reading “Divorced Dads: Inside the June 2017 Issue”

Not Being His First: Special Report with Jayne Nicoletti

Not sharing certain milestone events with your partner—like marriage and parenthood—can hurt. Jayne Nicoletti, asks stepmoms: How do you handle your feelings on not being his first? Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

WANT MORE ON THIS TOPIC? Don’t miss “Stepmoms Cutting in Line: Is It Possible to Get Over Not Being His First?” by Christina Roach, LMHC, inside the March 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”

Create a United Front: Inside the January 2017 Issue

Create a United FrontI’ve Got Your Back! Stepcouples Must Present A United Front—Here’s Why by Trevor Mullineaux, LMFT

Who comes first in your heart— your kids or your partner? In many stepfamilies, finding the right balance between, “My kids come first,” and, “My partner is my priority,” can be a daily struggle. The conflict it creates can chip away at a stepcouple’s emotional connection. In fact, this tension is one of the reasons many stepfamilies implode. Continue reading “Create a United Front: Inside the January 2017 Issue”