Tag: stepmom blog

Gratitude for Stepmoms – Inside the November 2015 Issue

stepmom gratitude
Inside the November 2015 Issue

Gratitude for Stepmoms: The Benefits of Being Thankful Every Day by Trisha Ladogna

It’s that time of year—Thanksgiving— when we gather for a family holiday that compels those in the U.S. to count their blessings and give thanks—in addition, of course, to watching football, cooking and eating.

Taking a day out each year (with your loved ones) to reflect on what you are thankful for is a beautiful tradition worth celebration. But once a year just doesn’t seem to be enough, and, for those of us who have chosen to be stepmothers, it probably isn’t. Continue reading “Gratitude for Stepmoms – Inside the November 2015 Issue”

Stepmoms and Outsider Syndrome – In the October 2015 Issue

Stepmoms Outsider Syndrome
Inside the October 2015 Issue

Stepmoms and Outsider Syndrome: 7 Ways to Ease the Pain of Feeling Left Out by Claudette Chenevert

Your partner is sitting on the floor, playing with his kids. It’s been a few weeks since they were last together and they seem to be having a good time catching up. Here you are, looking at them, when an empty feeling creeps up inside you.

You try as hard as you can, hoping you’re making all the right moves. You sacrifice your time and space to make sure your partner’s kids feel at home, as if they belong. All the while, you are battling your own demons about what your place is in this relationship. Continue reading “Stepmoms and Outsider Syndrome – In the October 2015 Issue”

Stepmoms and Loyalty Conflicts – Inside the October 2015 Issue

Stepmom Loyalty Conflicts
Inside the October 2015 Issue

Stepmoms and Loyalty Conflicts: How and Why We Engage in No-Win Competitions by Brenda Snyder, LCSW 

One of the most frustrating things about stepmotherhood is the positive regard our stepchildren have for their biological mothers. No matter what. A cognitive understanding of why they love their mothers simply isn’t enough to help us heal the wounds—real or imagined—which we endure in the name of parent-child loyalty. Too often, our response to our stepchildren’s need to protect and defend the love they have for their mothers takes the shape of redoubling our efforts to “win.” But what are we competing for?

The term loyalty signifies devotion and attachment, which is usually aimed at the people we love. It also refers to where we choose to put our allegiance. Continue reading “Stepmoms and Loyalty Conflicts – Inside the October 2015 Issue”

Same-Sex Stepfamilies – Inside the October 2015 Issue

Same Sex Stepfamilies
Inside the October 2015 Issue

Same Sex Stepfamilies: To Be, Or Not to Be, in the Closet? by Trisha Ladogna

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Constitution gives same-sex couples the right to marry and Caitlyn Jenner’s public transition are both tremendous milestones which pave the way toward legitimizing and accepting same-sex and transgender stepfamilies.

There is a lot to celebrate, not only for those who identify as members of related communities but also for those who gave birth to, grew up with, befriended or love someone who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

These massive steps forward, however, have not eliminated the challenges faced by lesbian stepfamilies. Continue reading “Same-Sex Stepfamilies – Inside the October 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”

Inside the July 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

StepMom Magazine July 2015
The July 2015 Issue

The July 2015 issue of StepMom Magazine is HERE!

This month’s issue explores topics which epitomize the highs and lows of stepmothering such as:

Having a baby, living with teenagers, dealing with changes in custody and vacationing as a stepfamily.

The July 2015 issue is full of practical information and tools you can start using today.

You’ll also learn why you need to make date night a priority, why you don’t need to worry so much about your adolescent stepkids’ antics and why it’s OK to eat donuts for breakfast—or dinner even.

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

Inside the February 2015 Issue of StepMom Magazine

Stepmom Magazine February 2015

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”

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”

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!)”

The 5 Dumbest Things People Say to Stepmoms

Stepfamily life can be complicated. Well-intentioned “advice” often comes from family & friends who just don’t understand why being a stepmom isn’t as easy as it looks!

Let’s hear from you, stepmoms. What’s the funniest, craziest, or dumbest thing anyone has ever said to you? Leave a comment below and, if you liked this video, don’t keep it a secret, share it!

If you liked this video, you’ll LOVE the magazine!