Tag Archives: stepparenting
10 Tips for Building a Strong (Re)Marriage : Today’s Modern Family
Another fabulous article from Kela Price at Today’s Modern Family. These tips are the perfect reminder that stepcouples need more than just a commitment to stick it out no matter what – we need to make extra effort to be … Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Divorce, Linkety-Link, Remarriage, Resources, Stepfamily Life
Stepfamilies ARE different (and complex)
I got a serve recently for commenting that stepfamilies are different from first families. Pretty obvious stuff, some might think. But no, I was firmly told off for saying that stepfamilies aren’t “as good” as first families. When it comes to … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Remarriage, Resources, Stepfamily Life
Meditations on conflict
A recent peek into my blog stats showed up this search string: “killer care bear” And this: “vicious care bear” And my favourite: “care bears with guns” As a mediator, I know that a “care bear” conflict style (often called … Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Family, Linkety-Link, Resources, Stepfamily Life, The Search String Diaries
Casting shadows
I recently received a question from Vicki about being stepmother to children whose mother has died, and her words got me thinking. While it is tempting to imagine that stepparenting would be a whole lot easier without the deep shadow … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Kids, Remarriage, Resources, Stepfamily Life
Cupcakery
On Thursday night I made four dozen cupcakes. Boy C wanted to take treats to school to share with his whole class; while I didn’t have the energy to churn out enough cupcakes from our somewhat makeshift kitchen in the … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Food, Stepfamily Life, The Ex
Stepfamily Roles
Role ambiguity is described in stepfamily research and literature as one of the biggest hurdles for stepfamily members, and especially for stepmothers. Basically, many of us aren’t sure who or what we are “meant” to be in our new families … Continue reading
Filed under Resources, Stepfamily Life
Small delights
I did the school run for the Boys by myself today and will be again tomorrow, since the Lovely Man has two early starts at work. By “school run” I don’t just mean the drive in to school but the … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Food, Kids, Me, Stepfamily Life
Shades of beige
Monday was the first night of our regular week with the kids. As usual, Boy A was fairly hostile towards me: he refused to respond to my hello, and every comment I made (not to him – I don’t waste … Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Kids, Lovely Man, Speaking Up Challenge, Stepfamily Life
Speak Up Week Challenge – first check-in
The Speak Up Week challenge continues. Our last few days with the Boys were spent taking them interstate to visit the Lovely Man’s extended family. I find travelling with the kids a real “hot button” time when the biological force field … Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Lovely Man, Speaking Up Challenge, Stepfamily Life, Travel
Stepfamily one-liners
Inspired by The Smirking Cat, I’ve been reflecting again about the shirty things people say over-and-over to stepparents (and separated parents). When members of The Great Ignorant spit these babies out, I’m generally too befuddled and irritated to come up … Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Random, Stepfamily Life
