When children do not get emotional permission from their biological parents to like and develop a relationship with their stepparents, they often feel confused, frustrated and torn. The more likeable the stepparent, the more conflicted the stepchildren feel. The children end up feeling guilty for liking the stepparent, hide it from their biological parent, and […]
It is rare to be proud of being in a stepfamily. Many stepfamilies struggle with inequality between the adults regarding parental rights and responsibilities, and regarding finances and decision-making. Children are also frustrated by inequality in the discipline and love they receive. “I am so embarrassed that I just don’t seem to be the stepmother […]
Slowly transition from the unstructured recreation of summer back into the disciplined routine that the coming school year will demand of you and your children. Stepfamilies may find this adjustment especially challenging because of differing rules and expectations between the households.
The following tips will help you and your children prepare for the new school year.
When people with children divorce, they have the illusion that their exes are out of their lives, never to influence them again. They soon find themselves mistaken. Some are mystified by how much influence their ex spouses have over their lives. After all, they got a divorce to remove the other person from their lives. […]
So, are you dating again? Are you just contemplating dating and don’t know where to begin? Being a single parent is challenging in and of itself, but with dating in the mix the complexity of your situation multiplies ten fold. You are no longer married, and you are trying to make sense of your new […]
Have you ever wondered how could you possibly co-parent with your ex? After all, you didn’t share a parenting style even when you were married… Co-parenting provides an opportunity to prove to your children that you are still actively involved in parenting them, and that the divorce was indeed only between the adults. It is […]
You may be wondering what grief has to do with your present marriage. Well, it has a lot to do with your present marriage’s level of success. This is how: Whenever there is a loss–not only due to a death–we humans need to grieve it. Even if your previous relationship ended by your choice, because […]
Feeling alone and disconnected is often reported by many stepfamily members. Adults feel that nobody really understands them, nor can anyone relate to what they are going through. In a support group, people often find comfort in like-minded and like-experienced people. Together they learn what works and what doesn’t work. They support one another in […]
Are you frustrated that your step-family still feels divided, after another year zoomed by? You are not alone. Many step-families share your pain. You can make a difference, in this coming year. By implementing these 6 easy tips, you will experience a difference in how you connect with your step-family.
Developing closeness and cohesiveness in a step-family is an ongoing challenge for many people throughout the year. The holidays present a precious opportunity to bridge some gaps among members of the immediate family, as well as those of the extended family. Step-parents express a great deal of anxiety and concern over the upcoming holidays. They dread the potential onset of chaos shattering their expectations of a picture-perfect holiday experience.
The following 7 tips may help you and your step-family develop closeness, through careful planning of your holiday celebrations:
