A Blended Family Vacation- We believe both the children and the parents enjoy the quality time spent over extended vacation periods. Travel and "settling in" becomes less of an issue for our family then.
All Aboard For Dysfunction Junction- "Home for the holidays" is a popular phrase this time of year. However, in our blended family, "home for the holidays" means finding a few hours when all eight members are in the same zip code at the same time.
Children's Feelings Of Loyalty in Stepfamilies- While we are forming a stepfamily I entered my marriage expecting instant loyalty from the children. I wanted our stepfamily to appear as a normal family. Yet our stepfamily became an interesting mix of personalities with different routines, habits and expectations of each other.
Creating Healthy Boundaries in Stepfamilies- To have a healthy and happy stepfamily you must know the importance of boundaries. Stepfamilies are difficult and many fail, often because the children don't get along at all. The children may not like a stepparent, or the parents own individual ability to deal with these problems is impaired, one sided or simply exhausted. All of these factors contribute to the toppling over of the stepfamily.
Do's & Don'ts - Dedicated To Successful Stepfamilies!- Do be proactive, not reactive. Give the kids as much time as
they need (within reason) to adjust to the new stepfamily life.
Communicate openly.and honestly. Honesty will never come
back to haunt you.
Help - New Step Mom- I am a 21 year old mature female who is involved with a very loving 32 year old separated man with a 4 year old daughter. I have a few problems, that I really need some advice on, mainly cause my mother died when I was 13 and I have no one to ask for advice on these things.
How To Be A Successful Summer-Time Stepmom- Many stepmoms have their stepkids more often in the summer or they have them the entire time. Some stepmoms do not have their own children so this can be quite a shock to the system if you are not prepared!
Mixed Nuts- Soaring divorce rates have also spawned an emergence of families that are remarried with children. Known best by the term "stepfamilies", the new politically correct term appears to be "blended families", a change which has created a little confusion.
Mom or Step-Mom?- I don't feel like their step-Mom. I am a full-time mother to them. They call me by my first name most of the time, but I wish there were an alternative to it. I have never felt comfortable being called Mom because they have a Mom, but I'm starting to rethink it. Any ideas?
New Marriage, New Budget- Recently a reader asked, "How do my new husband and I divide
our finances when I am the only one with children?" Having been
in a similar situation, I think you and your partner should consider
a few things.
Taking It All Personally As A Step Mom- I am writing this article after spending over ½ of my entire
summer with my stepchildren. In early July we rallied to
have my step kids here, over and above the court ordered
visitation schedule for a number of reasons.
The Benefits Of Being A Step Mom- You read my title and think to yourself... "Are there *really* any benefits to being a stepmother"? After all, we are the ones with warts on our noses and hairy chins who cackle while boiling our stepchildren!
The Sacrifices Of A Stepmom- If you are already a stepmom, or you are a stepmom-to-be, this
article might help you weed through what you should and should
not expect to sacrifice as a human being who happens to be mate
to a man with children, adult or young.
The Summertime Parent- While most children were anxiously waiting for the school
year to end, Jonathan was simply anxious. Although most
boys loved traveling across the country during their vacation,
Jonathan dreaded the annual trek to see his father. It wasn't
that he didn't love his father or enjoy being with him. It was
the other children, from his father's new marriage, that he didn't like.
What Have I Gotten Myself Into?- As I sit and type this I am literally thinking "What have I gotten myself into?" even four years and a baby later. As a stepmom, I find it difficult even today adjusting to the many changes and sacrifices I have made in effort to blend our family successfully.
What To Expect From Your Stepkids- All relationships are based on expectations. Even those with children. When I first became stepmom I wasn't sure as to what I could expect from my stepkids. I think I expected things to be as kosher now as they were back then. Well, I was mistaken.
Why Won't My Stepson Listen to Me?- I have a 3 and half year old step son that I love with all my heart but I cant get him to listen to me and I am needing your help.. His mom backs me 100%. As for his dad he has never met him. He will not sit for me in time out. I have even sat with him in my lap to get him to do time out. Plus he has got to the point where he is now kicking me.
Valentine's Day
Not too far from now, Cupid will be shooting his arrow at love birds all over! Visit our Valentine's Day section for fun crafts, great recipes, or gift ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...
To have a healthy and happy stepfamily you must know the importance of boundaries. Stepfamilies are difficult and many fail, often because the children don't get along at all. The children may not like a stepparent, or the parents own individual ability to deal with these problems is impaired, one sided or simply exhausted. All of these factors contribute to the toppling over of the stepfamily.
Win Fun Stuff!
Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...
