Tips for Solidifying Your Marriage

All too often, the couple in a stepfamily primarily functions as parents. It is of utmost importance to keep things in perspective and energize the couple relationship. It started when a woman and a man met, fell in love, found out that they were like-minded and shared similar values, and then decided to deepen the […]

Tips For Becoming a Proud Stepfamily

It is rare to be proud of being in a stepfamily. Many stepfamilies struggle with inequality between the adults regarding parental rights and responsibilities, and regarding finances and decision-making. Children are also frustrated by inequality in the discipline and love they receive. “I am so embarrassed that I just don’t seem to be the stepmother […]

7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Step Family Support Group

Feeling alone and disconnected is often reported by many stepfamily members. Adults feel that nobody really understands them, nor can anyone relate to what they are going through. In a support group, people often find comfort in like-minded and like-experienced people. Together they learn what works and what doesn’t work. They support one another in […]

7 Tips for Holiday Harmony With Your Step-Family

Developing closeness and cohesiveness in a step-family is an ongoing challenge for many people throughout the year. The holidays present a precious opportunity to bridge some gaps among members of the immediate family, as well as those of the extended family. Step-parents express a great deal of anxiety and concern over the upcoming holidays. They dread the potential onset of chaos shattering their expectations of a picture-perfect holiday experience.

The following 7 tips may help you and your step-family develop closeness, through careful planning of your holiday celebrations:

Tips for Nurturing the Couple’s Relationship

I wonder if you remember when you met your significant other—your feelings, hopes, and wishes as your relationship evolved. You made arrangements for the children, setting aside adult time together. Then, you got married. The adult time turned into a fantasy and a remote memory.

A strong couple creates a strong and stable family. It is a win-win situation for all involved. Here are some tips to help restore the spark and improve the intimacy between the two of you…

You & Your Stepfamily: Happy Holidays? (Part 2)

We all share the wish and hope for happy holidays. For many stepfamilies, confusion and frustration take over, as communication (often regarding visitations and gift choices) between households fail. In this newsletter I am sharing with you more tips to improve your stepfamily experience during the upcoming holidays. Taking the following steps will bring you […]

You & Your Stepfamily: Happy Holidays?

While many wish for the holidays to be a time of shared happy celebrations with loved ones, many end up feeling disappointed and depressed. Stepfamilies experience additional stress due to heightened unrealistic expectations of everyone involved, as well as from the often stressful transitions and adjustments of visiting and/or departing children. Taking the following steps […]