Stepparenting
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 […]
Wondering how to relate to your second set of in-laws? If all else fails, keep the spotlight on their relationship with your stepchildren (their grandchildren). That is the relationship that most needs to flourish. When I started obtaining endorsements for my book, Stepparenting the Grieving Child, I picked up a lot of advice about what […]
Life appears to be too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrong. — Charlotte Bronte I have been struggling with what I perceive as a phase in the relationship with one of my stepchildren. I’ve been feeling rejected, as if I’m not a person of any significance in this child’s life. Then […]
I’ve gotten some thought-provoking inquiries on my Stepparenting the Grieving Child website. Today I’m sharing a question about whether grief counseling is necessary for stepfamily members who lost a spouse or a parent. Here is the actual question: “Is it necessary for grief counseling for the biological parent and the children that [have lost] to […]
Continue reading about A Reader Writes: “Is Grief Counseling Necessary?”
Usually I post to this blog first thing in the morning, but I mistakenly thought I could host my daughter’s birthday sleepover and still write my blog. I’ll remember to pre-announce a change to the blog schedule when I’m hosting an overnight event in the future! Now I’m shifting gears and getting ready to host […]