I’ve known my stepchildren for over 7 years …7 YEARS! That’s more than half their lives, yet I get reminded of my lack of belonging continuously throughout the year. Stepmom’s deal with this purposeful separation and take it personally, even if we don’t show it. Mother’s Day is often the day that solidifies our dark … Read more
When it comes to being a stepmom, it’s not always easy. In fact, it can be downright hard at times. But, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about becoming a stepmom: 1. Patience is Key Stepmoms need to be patient. Patience is key … Read more
Stepparents and their stepkids are often known to butt heads or be in conflict with one another. To many stepparents, the rejection or negative attitude directed at them by their partner’s children is perplexing and hurtful because they labor, to no avail, an effort to build an amicable relationship. What many of these well-meaning stepparents … Read more
Many people assume that being a stepmom is a thankless job, and it isn’t always easy. To be honest, it can be difficult to find happiness as a stepmom. But it is possible. You have found a new significant other and fell deeply in love! Isn’t it great?! What a wonderful feeling it is to … Read more
This article is a reader’s story kindly shared with our other readers… The relationship I have with my stepchildren’s bio mom is very simple. It basically consists of having minimum contact with each other. The only time we talk is if it has to do with the children. This is what works for us. I … Read more
There are many stepmoms struggling to fit in and find peace in their families, not because they don’t get along with their stepchildren, but because they’re introverts in a family of extroverts. And introverts and extroverts often have conflicting ways of being in the world. According to Psychology Today, introversion is a personality trait defined … Read more
To my Stepfather: Thank you for sticking with me. I was a teenager when we met. You came into my life at a time of change, attempted independence, and confusion over my parents’ separation. Anger greeted you for the first time. Rebellion refused to eat dinner with you and Mom. Loyalty didn’t speak to you … Read more
It is easy to be a loving, supportive and kind partner when you are comfortable with how things are going. It’s easy to feel safe and secure when your partner is making parenting decisions that are in alignment with your values. But how supportive are you when he makes a decision with which you don’t … Read more
It’s surprising how many stepparents find themselves faced with the challenge of stepchildren who exhibit narcissistic personality traits. Or perhaps – when you consider how narcissism develops – it isn’t surprising at all. The Narcissist: Nature or Nurture? A large proportion of my coaching career has been spent studying narcissistic personality disorder and helping those … Read more
Stepmom and stepdad are terms used to refer to the new romantic partner of a child’s biological parent, when the biological parents are not married or do not live together. While both terms refer to a similar parental figure, there are some important differences between them: Role in the family: Social perception: Challenges: Benefits: In … Read more