Tag: stepfamily dynamics

Adult Stepchildren – Inside the September 2015 Issue

Adult Stepkids
Inside the Sept. 2015 Issue

All Grown Up: When Life Hands You Adult Stepkids
by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

It is a well-known fact that people are living longer and that the aging and elderly population is a growing one. This affects many aspects of society, including the growing number of stepfamilies that form later in life and are, thus, comprised of older adults with adult stepchildren.

Stepfamily literature and research tends to focus on families with young or school-age children, where everyday parenting tasks are the norm. Even informal conversations about impending marriages dismiss the unique challenges of taking on adult stepchildren, with everyone expressing gratitude that the “problems” wrought by younger stepchildren have been avoided. Continue reading “Adult Stepchildren – Inside the September 2015 Issue”

Having an Ours Baby – Inside the August 2015 Issue

Ours Baby StepMom Magazine
Inside the August 2015 Issue

Sitting in the Center: An Ours Child’s Perspective on Stepfamily Life by Trisha Ladogna

Our decision to have an ours baby was not made lightly. I was 36, a childless stepmother for more than five years and had suffered a miscarriage prior to having my first biological child.

Like many first-time mothers, I did an amazing amount of preparation and reading about what was happening with my body and my baby. Like many stepmothers, I did just as much reading and preparation around the impact this little bundle of joy would have on our stepfamily—particularly my stepson.

And, like both stepmothers and mothers, I worried. Continue reading “Having an Ours Baby – Inside the August 2015 Issue”

The Introverted Stepmom – Inside the August 2015 Issue

Introverted Stepmom Magazine
Inside the August 2015 Issue

The Introverted Stepmom: Strategies for Living in a Family of Extroverts by Jenna Korf

Many stepmoms struggle to fit in and find peace within their families. It’s not because they don’t get along with their stepchildren but because they are introverts in a family of extroverts. Introverts and extroverts often have conflicting ways of being in the world.

According to “Psychology Today,” introversion is a personality trait attributed to someone whose energy is drained by social interactions; they give their energy away when interacting with others. Therefore, they need recovery time. This usually means solitude—time in which to recharge and refill their energy tank. Continue reading “The Introverted Stepmom – Inside the August 2015 Issue”

Why Stepfamilies Are Different – Inside the August 2015 Issue

Stepfamilies Are Unique
Inside the August 2015 Issue

Embrace Your Differences: 5 Factors That Make Stepfamilies Unique by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

A family is a family is a family. Two adults. Some kids. Does it really matter so much how and when the family was formed? Or that not all of the people in that family are blood related? You look like a family. You act like a family. Love conquers all.

The same rules ought to apply, right? Rarely do women who are not stepmothers understand just how wrong these assumptions are. They try to be supportive, but they just don’t get it.

Stepfamilies are different.

And it’s time to embrace those differences. At least five factors make stepfamilies unique. Continue reading “Why Stepfamilies Are Different – Inside the August 2015 Issue”

Inside the August 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

StepMom Magazine August 2015The August 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

This month’s issue features an exclusive interview with former “Real Housewives of New York City” cast member: Aviva Drescher!

Aviva is a celebrity and a stepmom (like you!) who understands what it’s like to have your every move broadcast under the glare of a spotlight, while people you don’t even know make assumptions about you.

Find out what you have in common with this celebrity stepmom in our telling interview—which begins on Page 14.

Here’s what’s inside for subscribers: Continue reading “Inside the August 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine”

Preparing Stepkids for an Ours Baby – In the July 2015 Issue

Ours Baby StepMom Magazine
Inside the July 2015 Issue

Baby Blues: Preparing Stepkids for Your “Ours” Baby’s Arrival by Christina Roach, LMHC, NCC, DCC

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be an exciting time for any couple. Whether you are motivated by wanting a biological child of your own or a desire to share the parenthood experience with your partner, the decision to add an “ours” baby to the stepfamily dynamic is an important one.

For some stepmoms, conceiving a child can serve as a way to authenticate the couple’s relationship, especially in the eyes of those people who they feel question its validity. On a subconscious level, it also can be a way to show others that this relationship (the stepcouple relationship) is real. It isn’t a mere substitution for their partner’s former union. Continue reading “Preparing Stepkids for an Ours Baby – In the July 2015 Issue”

Co-Parenting Tips for Stepmoms – Inside the July 2015 Issue

Co Parenting Tips
Inside the July 2015 Issue

The Third Wheel: Adding a Stepparent to the Co-Parenting Mix by Trisha Ladogna

The post-divorce, co-parenting relationship is unique. Unlike most business or personal relationships, it is one that a person can’t simply dismiss or walk away from. It’s not optional, and how well or poorly it functions has a significant impact on everyone involved—children, parents and stepparents.

When one or even two new stepparents enter the mix, what was once a co-parenting relationship might quickly become a co-parenting entourage. The addition of new people brings with it additional viewpoints and opinions which then require additional discussion or negotiation and may increase the opportunity for misunderstandings. Continue reading “Co-Parenting Tips for Stepmoms – Inside the July 2015 Issue”

Stepfamily Dynamics for Divorced Dads – In the June 2015 Issue

stepfamily dynamics
Inside the June 2015 Issue

It’s Complicated! A Divorced Dad’s Guide to Understanding Stepfamily Dynamics by Brenda Snyder, LCSW

Women are complicated. We know it. We’re even proud of it. Sometimes we don’t make sense to ourselves—not that we’d ever admit it to you … the men we love.

Your situation, of course, takes the concept of complexity to new heights. Because you have kids (whom you and your current partner didn’t create together), you get to sort through all kinds of extra stuff that takes the term “relationship challenge” to an entirely new level. Continue reading “Stepfamily Dynamics for Divorced Dads – In the June 2015 Issue”

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”

Be Featured: StepMom Magazine’s 2015 Father’s Day Edition

June 2014 StepMom Magazine
The June 2014 Issue

We’re looking for one, fabulous (and madly in love!) stepcouple to feature on the cover of the June 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine!

This annual edition is a StepMom Magazine reader favorite! In honor of Father’s Day, it features articles written exclusively for men. It’s a great tool for dads and stepmoms who want to learn, grow and strengthen their relationship – together.

To be considered, send an email to: Publisher@StepMomMagazine.com and include:

* A great photo of just you and your partner (large file, hi-res)
* Your names, address, phone number, occupations
* Relationship status and length of time together
* Number of children & stepchildren (yours and his)
* A few sentences about your story (how you met, your challenges)
* What you love most about him

The cover couple will be notified by email. We will feature as many other couples as possible in a special Father’s Day photo collage section.