Stepfamilies
(Most writers like the top ten approach, but I like for you to fill in the tenth!) Various situations in my life continue to point out the extreme importance of communication. The worst trap of all in a stepfamily is no communication. Assumptions fill the gaps and actions are based on the assumptions! One way […]
You might think that this post relates to the stepparent being new in the family. Instead, I thought I’d focus today on the new kid you and your spouse might bring into town: your baby. While your stepfamily may arrive at some household decisions together as a family, having a baby is an adult decision. […]
Here’s one of those little conundrums on which I would love to hear your opinions. Please take a minute to reply! When your young adult children or stepchildren take up another residence, do they keep your house keys or return them? Also and perhaps more importantly, can they enter your house whenever they want, to […]
This is the third in a Wednesday post series about the role of the parent in stepfamilies. Stepfamilies might feel more cohesive if the parent is able to: Be the central hub of the stepfamily. Be the main disciplinarian in the stepfamily. Be physically available (present). Be emotionally available (interested). Today we’re looking at how […]
OK, where were we on this topic of the role your spouse or partner plays in your stepfamily? Last Wednesday, I described what, after lots of reading and experience, I believe is the most helpful (productive, healthy) role for the parent left in the home in which you, the stepparent, are also living. We summarized […]
We talk a lot about stepparenting on this blog. However, successful stepparenting is integrally dependent upon the role the children’s parent (the partner you the stepparent live with) plays in the family. As a family rebuilds itself and creates a new identity, the parent remains the key link between past, present, and future. I’ve researched, […]
Continue reading about The Steadfast Parent’s Role in Stepfamilies
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]