stepmom advice Archives - Page 25 of 26

Inside the April 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

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”

Stepmoms and Moms – You Don’t Need to Be Friends!

By Mary T. Kelly, MA Originally published in the November 2012 issue.

For stepmoms who may be feeling like they’ve somehow failed because their relationship with the ex is anything but friendly, here are some thoughts on why it’s really OK—and why you’re not a failure—if you’ll never be BFFs with your stepchildren’s mother. Continue reading “Stepmoms and Moms – You Don’t Need to Be Friends!”

Inside the March 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

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”

Inside the February 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

The February 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

Love isn’t enough when you’re coupled up with someone who has kids. You need to be on the same page. If you’re not? You need to talk about your differences.

The articles in this month’s issue explore the many facets and faces of love … and stepfamily life. While stepfamily life isn’tfree of drama, addressing those touchy subjects early on does pay off.

Use this issue to facilitate conversations with your partner, because the more you two talk the more you’ll realize there’s not a subpoena, stereotype, or solicitation for increased child support that can sink you when you’re actually in sync!

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

Inside the January 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

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”

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Stepmoms: Be the Mother Ship (Not the Mother!)

“Be the mother ship. Not the mother.” This is sage stepmom advice I received from my friend Ruth over a cider-slash-venting session years ago. She had been a stepmom before it was even cool. I didn’t know her then. She was 19, he was 30 and suddenly she had two small girls for whom to take care. She hung in there for 18 years of marriage and watched herself and those kids grow up. I know we all think there isn’t enough information out there on being a stepmom these days, but 30 years ago there literally was nothing. She had to learn 100 percent through trial and error. Continue reading “Stepmoms: Be the Mother Ship (Not the Mother!)”

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”

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