Tag Archive for: stepdad

Stepmum with Stepchildren

How to Be a Good Role Model to Your Stepchildren

There are elements of parenting that stepparents can overlook, perhaps because they feel that they don’t apply to them, and one of these is being a role model. In fact, considering yourself as a role model can be very helpful in creating…
Stepmum and Stepdaugther Spending Time Together

Precious Moments: Valuing Alone Time with the Children

When looking back on some of my favorite childhood memories, I think of the King of Prussia Mall. I remember the shop ‘til ya drop days spent with my mom. I never wanted those days to end. Spending time alone with my mom was special because…
Family Laughing

Stepchildren Just Want to Fit In – Part 3

As a stepdad, I found some ways to help my stepchildren feel like they fit into our blended family. Being a stepdad 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…
Family Laughing

Stepchildren Just Want to Fit In – Part 2

As a stepdad, I found some ways to help my stepchildren feel like they fit into our blended family. It was my goal to have my stepchildren feel that they belong to our family, that I believe in them, and that I want to see them become the…
Family Laughing

Stepchildren Just Want to Fit In – Part 1

As a stepdad, I found some ways to help my step kids feel like they fit into our blended family. Becoming a stepdad 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…
Stepdad reading to stepchildren

Showing Affection to Stepkids

Affection can be shown in ways other than hugs and kisses After being a stepdad for thirteen years, it didn’t feel odd at all to welcome my wife’s sixteen-year-old niece into our home. My step kids are grown and out of the house and…
Stepmum putting her hand out

Protect Yourself from High-Conflict Exes and their Pattern of Dysfunction

When dealing with a High-Conflict Ex (HCE), it's imperative to not get caught up in their constant complaining, negativity, and attacks. From my experience, there is a clear pattern of behavior that presents itself. Knowing this and understanding…
Couple Holding Hands

Missing the Firsts but Saving the Best for Last

I used to be bothered by the fact, that I missed out on all of my husband's firsts. I couldn't be his first wedding, first marriage, first wife; we didn’t buy our first house together, nor have our first babies together. A mindset shift…
Stepmum Screaming

“You Chose to Marry Into That.” Statements that Perpetuate the Negative Stigma of Being a Stepmom

As a stepmom, people often make assumptions and judgements about what your role should be in your stepfamily life. Most of these people haven’t walked in your shoes and don’t understand the many complexities of the stepmom role.…
Family Reading a Book

The Importance of Structure and Consistency in the Lives of Children

Through my own experience with my stepdaughters, and with many years in the education system, I have learned the value of structure and consistency for children. Learnersdictionary.com defines structure as, “the quality of something…
Stepmum Relaxing

Why Stepparents Need a Kid-Free Zone in Their Home

Let’s face it, even in the best of circumstances, kids are not easy to be around 100 percent of the time. Even biological parents need a break from their children once in a while, so it’s normal (although not quite acceptable by society)…
Woman walking on a road

Six Life Lessons I’ve Learned Being a Stepmom

Along my step-parenting journey, I have learned some intense lessons that have become my tested tools for life. Some of these tools were already in my repertoire, but since I became a stepmom they have been completely transformed into the…