Here are some tips to help the extended family members to deal with their changing roles and for the adults forming the stepfamily in understanding the unifying power that their relatives have in their family.
Tips on Adolescents and Sexuality
Sexuality is a major preoccupation of thoughts and feelings for most, if not all, teens. In some stepfamilies, the adolescent sexuality may raise much concern due to the lack of biological relationship with the stepparent and inappropriate behaviors by the adolescents.
Here are some tips to help your adolescent and your family cope with his/her unfolding sexuality…
Tips for a Joyous Summer Vacation
Stepfamilies face the emotional and physical adjustments in the transition from one household to another. Custody changes are more frequent during the summer months. The better the relationship between the households, the more flexible they are with scheduling visitations. In many cases, children visit the non-custodial parent for 2-8 weeks, while in others, there is […]
Tips for Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations often cause misunderstandings, miscommunication, and much confusion in any relationship. In stepfamilies it is a core issue that at times, when not addressed, can even lead to divorce. Clarifying your verbal and non-verbal expectations with your spouse will help you understand what you do and do not agree upon. Setting realistic, mutual, obtainable […]
Tips for Successful Money Management
Money symbolizes power and control not only in our society, but also our personal relationships. In stepfamilies, money often becomes a rather complex matter. It represents the level of commitment, trust, and unity between spouses. You probably have experienced some frustration over disproportionate gifts, perhaps from extended family, being given to children and inciting discontent […]
Tips for Men in Stepfamilies
In traditional biological families, men have been expected to be the wage earners, the heads of their families, and the disciplinarians. Meanwhile, women have been expected to serve as the emotional core, providing nurturing and affection to the family. Step families however, may have a very hard time functioning this way successfully, especially when it […]
Tips for Nurturing the Couple’s Relationship
I wonder if you remember when you met your significant other—your feelings, hopes, and wishes as your relationship evolved. You made arrangements for the children, setting aside adult time together. Then, you got married. The adult time turned into a fantasy and a remote memory.
A strong couple creates a strong and stable family. It is a win-win situation for all involved. Here are some tips to help restore the spark and improve the intimacy between the two of you…
Tips for Women in Stepfamilies
Women are expected to be the emotional core of their families. In stepfamilies the expectation is the same. For stepmothers however, it is an unrealistic expectation, at least for a year to a year and a half. Here are some tips to help you improve and solidify your role as a wife, mother, and/or stepmother…
New Year’s Resolutions For Your Stepfamily
As social, personal, and spiritual celebrations wind down, it’s time to stop and reflect on the passing year. Evaluate the positive, successful, and fulfilling events, and plan to improve and grow with new enriching and heartwarming experiences for you and your stepfamily. Please make resolutions that are realistic and create a step-by-step plan, and carry […]
You & Your Stepfamily: Happy Holidays? (Part 2)
We all share the wish and hope for happy holidays. For many stepfamilies, confusion and frustration take over, as communication (often regarding visitations and gift choices) between households fail. In this newsletter I am sharing with you more tips to improve your stepfamily experience during the upcoming holidays. Taking the following steps will bring you […]