Mama J on January 29th, 2009

Oooh, oooh!  How many posts could we do on this topic?  Let’s just say this is part one of however many we need in the months to come. My daughter’s elementary school has done a good job of making kids aware of some definitions and examples of bullying.  This education started in first grade.  Shocking […]

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Mama J on January 28th, 2009

A reader recognizes the importance of a young adult child’s role in the household of a grieving family. By the way, if you have a “stepparenting a grieving child” question or comment, you can feed it to me one of three ways:  comment on this blog (click here to learn how), send me an e-mail […]

Continue reading about A Reader Writes: Lady of the House

Mama J on January 26th, 2009

One way to be involved with your kids is to become involved with an activity they are passionate about.  This doesn’t mean that you actually do the activity with them (although you could).  What I’m talking about in this post is volunteering with an organization your child is a part of.  This comment connects directly […]

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Mama J on January 22nd, 2009

One parent asked me to comment on how to help a teen fill the “what will I do for fun” void she perceives when trying to move away from drugs and alcohol as a means of escape.  This is a tough one, but you have a jump start if your daughter is showing some willingness […]

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Mama J on January 21st, 2009

If you are a stepfamily member, you might really appreciate the opportunity I’ll point you toward today.  One of my colleagues, Jacque Fletcher, and another stepmother, Erin Erickson, have created The Stepfamily Letter Project.  This is a blog where any stepfamily member can anonymously write a letter to another stepfamily member.  The letter can be heartfelt, […]

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Mama J on January 19th, 2009

Given that many of you will be drawn to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, I’m posting today and I’ll leave it up until Wednesday’s post. You’ve all probably heard of tough love before, but what does it mean?  Does it mean yelling at our kids?  Does it mean pulling the no-flex authority trip, or copping […]

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Mama J on January 15th, 2009

No, you’re not in a movie theater.  This post is simply an introduction to several connected themes I have whirring through my head. I had lunch with a friend yesterday and she talked about how she’s organized her five- and seven-year-old to make their school lunches, help prepare dinner, and set the table.  The two […]

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Mama J on January 14th, 2009

I’ve been watching the DVDs of the former TV series, “Everwood.”  I became interested in this show too late to watch it live on the WB, but once I learned it revolved around a single dad raising kids after his wife and their mother dies, I figured I could learn something from it.  (Plus it’s […]

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Mama J on January 13th, 2009

In much of the U.S. and in many other areas of the world, it’s winter – the real, snow-piled-on-the-sides-of-the-road kind of winter.  This is a time when outdoor enthusiasts’ thoughts turn to winter sports. When the outdoor enthusiasts also happen to be parents, the creativity begins. Since I love downhill skiing, I had my daughter […]

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Mama J on January 7th, 2009

Your turn:  If your spouse passed away, would you be the primary parent and guardian for your stepchildren?  If not, would you remain a part of their lives?  What feelings come up for you in either situation? While following other stepparenting blogs, especially those on my blogroll (scroll down the middle column), I pick up […]

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