Stepfamilies

Mama J on September 30th, 2009

Now that I have your attention, here’s what I really think about the continued comments I’m receiving on my Selfish Stepparenting? post:  They are poignant, revealing, and I think important to the types of dialogues we have and continue to have in and about stepfamilies.  These comments raise some provocative questions, such as:  What does a child […]

Continue reading about A Juicy Discussion

Mama J on September 23rd, 2009

We had a great time taking family pictures at the Colorado State University Gardens, except when young Amy got stung by a bee!  After a short break she was a trooper and continued snapping multiple poses.  No one but me was keeping track of the connection with National Stepfamily Day…but the word is growing!  Have […]

Continue reading about Mama J’s Picture Post

Mama J on September 16th, 2009

Wow, it’s here!  September 16 is National Stepfamily Day (NSD), and now there is quite the buzz about trying to make this day International Stepfamily Day.  I have always noticed through my stepfamily research that the countries of Canada, the UK, Australia, and Japan have active stepfamily associations.  Canada and the UK already recognize Stepfamily Day.  Does […]

Continue reading about Happy Stepfamily Day!

Mama J on September 9th, 2009

I’d like to join the National Stepfamily Resource Center’s effort to raise your awareness of a special holiday:  the thirteenth annual National Stepfamily Day (NSFD) on Sept. 16, 2009. When reflecting on the purpose of National Stepfamily Day, founder Christy Borgeld says:   “Our nation has been blessed by thousands upon thousands of loving stepparents and stepchildren […]

Continue reading about National Stepfamily Day is Coming!

Mama J on September 2nd, 2009

First of all, thanks for the lively discussion and comments to last week’s post about selfish stepparents.  I thought I’d go with something a little lighter this week — how stepfamilies can have fun on Labor Day weekend.  I combined some ideas for those who live in urban areas with ideas for those who have recreational […]

Continue reading about Nine Ways to have Stepfamily Fun on Labor Day Weekend

Mama J on August 26th, 2009

I do encourage comments and friendly debate on this blog, but I have to admit I was surprised to receive a comment this summer from a reader nicknamed Daisy:  “I came here for comfort, and instead find an outrageous display of selfishness.”  Daisy, who is herself grieving the loss of her adult son, felt that […]

Continue reading about A Reader Writes: Selfish Stepparents

Mama J on August 19th, 2009

Colorado schools start earlier than many states.  Our neighborhoods here are buzzing with the back-to-school sounds of buses rumbling through neighborhoods and kids chatting in packs as they return from the bus stop. In fact, I would argue that at least in this region of the U.S., fall inspires more feelings of change and new beginnings than […]

Continue reading about Fall: a Natural Time for Change

Mama J on July 16th, 2009

The combination of keeping up with my freelance writing contracts and having kids on a summer schedule has wrought a little havoc with my blog posting routine! However, from the number of comments (none!) I received on my school-home connection questions, it appears that many of you are on “summer time” as well. I am […]

Continue reading about The Short Scoop

Mama J on June 30th, 2009

Your turn!  The purpose of today’s post is to ask your opinions about how stepparents and schools can work together to strengthen the school-to-home connection.  (Yes, I’m looking ahead to fall…or some of you may have kids who go to school year round.)  You do not need to be registered on the blog to post […]

Continue reading about School-to-Home Connection

Mama J on June 17th, 2009

The days are long But the time is short.             — Unknown Although you wouldn’t know it from my picture, summer officially starts in four days (and maybe my picture will change at exactly the same time!). A few of you may be committed to year-round school with two-week breaks every quarter, but most of […]

Continue reading about Hit the Decks; It’s Summer!