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 […]
As Mother’s Day approaches I have been reflecting on motherhood. As it tends to do, it has also shone a light on step-motherhood. I am a stepmom of 3 adult stepchildren and the biological mother of 2 girls. We are clear about what moms SHOULD be. The ideal? Mothers are softness and strength, courage and […]
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably figured out that building a blended family is a very complicated process. One critical point that we often overlook is that most families already have an existing story that defines their values, traditions, dreams, and goals, many of which are carried on from previous generations. These stories are important […]
You’re not their “real” mom. As a stepmother, you know this. In fact, it’s painfully clear more often than not. No matter how many times you’ve made a pact with yourself to “let it go,” you keep coming back for more. You keep coming back because you made a commitment to this child or children who call you “stepmom”. […]
Part 3. As a step dad, I found some ways to help my step kids feel like they fit in to our blended family. Being a step dad to 3 great kids motivated me to show them that they belong in our family, that I believe in them and that I want to see them […]
Part 2. As a step dad, I found some ways to help my step kids feel like they fit in to our blended family. It was my goal to have my step kids to feel that they belong in our family, that I believe in them and that I want to see them become the […]
Part I. As a step dad, I found some ways to help my step kids feel like they fit in to our blended family. Becoming a step dad when my step kids were 8, 10 and 12 made my life way more chaotic than I had ever experienced and at the same time more fulfilling. […]
