Resources that capture the complexity of stepfamilies and of stepparenting. Being a stepparent can at times be stressful, daunting and lonely. There are a variety of challenges and obstacles to overcome, all of which contribute to the divorce/separation rate for step-couples being generally higher than that of “first” marriages. It is therefore crucial to make… Continue reading Helpful Help for Stepparents
Category: Stepmothers
Why you can’t just tell a stepmum to wash her face…
Self-care isn’t enough when it comes to stepmothers. We need the whole village.
Fake it ‘til you make it – why it’s okay for a stepmum to be a complete fake with the Ex
A stepparent’s relationship with their partner’s Ex could definitely be top contender for one of the most awkward relationships of all times. Having to make small chat repeatedly with someone who has slept with your partner repeatedly is just not what most people want in any of their relationships. But, here you are…in love with… Continue reading Fake it ‘til you make it – why it’s okay for a stepmum to be a complete fake with the Ex
Stepmothers and Mother’s Day, Trials and Tribulations
Mother’s Day is annually observed in Australia and New Zealand on the second Sunday of May. It is an opportunity for everyone to pay tribute to their mothers and to thank them for all their love and support. For stepfamilies however, this day of appreciation of all things mothers can raise a whole lot of… Continue reading Stepmothers and Mother’s Day, Trials and Tribulations
When love doesn’t come to town – What to do when you don’t love your stepchildren.
Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, love is complex. Within stepfamilies however, love can be very complex. Especially when it comes to stepparents and stepchildren. This is thanks, in part, to a really distinctive attribute of the stepparent-stepchild relationship which is that love, is ultimately a decision. Think about it. People become stepparents because… Continue reading When love doesn’t come to town – What to do when you don’t love your stepchildren.
18 Lessons I Have Learnt From My Stepson
I have been in my stepson’s life for a number of years now. He was a toddler when I first met his father. He is now fully-fledged teenage man-boy. I have watched and supported him (and his parents) as he has moved and lived between his two homes. And, notwithstanding my being the adult and… Continue reading 18 Lessons I Have Learnt From My Stepson
Stepparent Wellbeing: Who’s On Your Team?
Call it what you will – a team, peeps, clan, kinfolk, your tribe. Most everyone has one. The group of ‘A-lister’ individuals you surround yourself with and can turn to whenever the occasion calls – and sometimes even when it doesn’t, just because they are a swell group of people who you like being around… Continue reading Stepparent Wellbeing: Who’s On Your Team?
Top Tips For New Stepparents
Becoming a stepparent can be daunting. Figuring out your role as a stepparent — aside from the day-to-day responsibilities that come with it —may lead to confusion, uncertainty or even conflict between you and your partner, your partner’s Ex and/or the kids. There is a lot of information and advice out there to help you… Continue reading Top Tips For New Stepparents
Undercut & Undermined – what to do if your stepchild resists contact because parental authority is being undermined
When your stepchild seeks to exclude you or worse still reject you, your spouse/their parent and their entire stepfamily , it can be difficult to know how to react or what to do. It can be especially painful when you believe that you have gone out of your way to try and forge a relationship… Continue reading Undercut & Undermined – what to do if your stepchild resists contact because parental authority is being undermined
A Shout-Out To All The Stepmums On Mother’s Day
When you think about it, really think about it, stepmothers are pretty freaking amazing. These women take on responsibility for children who are not their own. Children who, for the most part, would do anything to NOT have a new stepparent in their world. These women accept their partner’s Ex as a necessary part of… Continue reading A Shout-Out To All The Stepmums On Mother’s Day