Expert Stepfamily Advice for Any Woman Whose Partner Has Kids
Talking Tips for Stepmoms
Navigating Your Way Through Awkward Conversations
BY KELLY PALMQUIST, MSW
When I became a stepmom, no one warned me about the frequency with which I’d be having awkward conversations—not only with my family and friends but with total strangers! For example, when you fill out paperwork at the doctor’s office it’s common to be asked: How many children do you have? Continue reading “Talking Tips for Stepmoms: Inside the October 2018 Issue”
Growing Up in a Stepfamily
What Stepmoms Who’ve Been There Can Teach Us
BY KRISTEN WILKINSON, PSYD
There are a number of unique challenges stepmoms undeniably face. Those challenges are different for full-time stepmoms, stepmoms with young stepchildren and stepmoms with biological children. Yet, what about stepmoms who grew up with stepparents of their own? Does this change how they view the stepmom experience—as adults? Continue reading “Growing Up in a Stepfamily: Inside the October 2018 Issue”
The September 2018 issue is HERE!
* Back-to-School
* Full-time Stepmoms
* Detaching & Disengaging
* Parent-Teacher Conferences
* A Historical Look at Stepfamily Life
* Emotional Intelligence for Stepmoms
* What Veteran Stepmoms Wish They’d Known
* When the Kids Disrespect Dad
→ And much more!
Check out the full list of what’s inside this month: Continue reading “Inside the September 2018 Issue”
Detaching and Disengaging
A Stepmom’s Guide to Letting Go
BY MARY T. KELLY, MA
Let it go. Let it be. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Chill out. Surrender. Release. Detach. Back off. These are all reminders to harried humans that it’s time for us to release our death grip over the “need” to control. To drop our ends of the rope, in the constant tug of wars. To take deep breaths, relax and take an active role in ending our own suffering. Continue reading “Stepmom’s Guide to Disengaging: Inside the September 2018 Issue”
What Full-Time Stepmoms Really Think
Results of Our Exclusive Survey
BY KRISTEN WILKINSON, PSYD
I sat inside Panera Bread early one morning, glancing at my laptop. The room was chilly. Outside it was damp and rainy. I felt as though I couldn’t drink my piping hot coffee quickly enough to wake my body and my brain. As I tried to focus on the task at hand, I noticed a woman sitting in a booth near mine. She looked young—maybe 30. Continue reading “Full-Time Stepmoms: Inside the September 2018 Issue”
What Stepmoms Wish They Knew
Stepmom Survey
With stepmom goggles on, this stepfamily gig can look a little hazy or feel a bit like stumbling around in the dark. Since hindsight vision is 20/20, we asked a few seasoned stepmoms what they wish they’d known as novices. On Facebook and Instagram, we asked what they wish they’d done differently. Their feedback ranges from “better blending” to “what might’ve been.” Glean some insight of your own via their responses. …To read the rest of this article, log in and download the September 2018 issue. Don’t have an account? Click here to subscribe.
The August 2018 issue is HERE!
This month we’re talking about:
* Expecting Stepmoms
* Protecting Your Privacy
* Surviving the Teen Years
* Co-Parenting With the Ex
* Stepmom Support Groups
* Dealing with Adult Stepchildren
* Social Media and Your Stepkids’ Mom
* Awkward Stepmom Moments
→ And much more!
Here’s the full list of what’s inside this month: Continue reading “Inside the August 2018 Issue”
Stepmom Support Groups
Take What You Like and Leave the Rest
BY ANNA DE ACOSTA
Do you long for connection with other like-minded stepmoms who get where you’re coming from? Human nature drives us to want to connect with others on a deeper level to feel understood. Yet, in many cases, those who have walked the walk and been stepmoms themselves are the only ones who truly understand our day-to-day challenges. Continue reading “Stepmom Support Groups: Inside the August 2018 Issue”
Privacy Policy
Do Your Stepkids Tell Mom Everything?
BY MARY T. KELLY, MA
“All violations of essential privacy are brutalizing.” –Katherine Fullerton Gerould
Like me, you’ve probably never heard of Katharine Fullerton Gerould. She was a well-respected writer who was born in the late 1800s. I wonder what she would think of stepfamilies and the very real and consistent problem of privacy.
Let’s not mince any words here. Continue reading “Stepmom Privacy: Inside the August 2018 Issue”
Adult Stepchildren
The Good, the Bad and the Surprising
BY CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT
The stepkids are finally out of the house! No more arguments or confrontations with the ex. No more custody battles. No more last-minute schedule changes. No more stepfamily drama. We can finally move on with our lives and focus on our relationships. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
If you’re wondering what life may be like once your stepkids become adults, Continue reading “Adult Stepchildren: Inside the August 2018 Issue”