• Stepmothers need to remember the people who make us feel welcome~Painting by Susan Falcon-Hargraves This week, our family gathered to celebrate the life of my father-in-law who passed away last year.  We just had a blast as we watched all of our children and grandchildren just have fun.  We ate and drank too much.  We celebrated another win from the Notre Dame football team.  (Our family

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    The Children Suffer When The Stepmother Disrespects Their Mother Never do this. Period. The current Mrs. Kelsey Grammer, Kayte Grammer) dressed up as the ex Mrs. Kelsey Grammer for Halloween.  Thanks!  This is just the type of public relations all of us stepmothers need.  Damn! Hey, Kelsey and Kayte,  your costumes are not funny and shows such disrespect that I barely know where to

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    Mothers and Stepmothers Always Feel As If They Know What Is Best It makes sense that the ex-spouse would want to talk to her children's stepmother at one time or another.  How you handle this conversation is critical and can be challenging. Let's set the scenario.  Let's assume that your family has a somewhat 'typical' scenario where the kids come every other weekend or so and have some

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    Definition of Stepternity Leave= Time off from work for step parents to get to know and bond with their new stepchildren. When do stepmoms catch a break?We need time off from work to blend our families! Do you know many women who give birth to massive multiples?  You probably don’t.  Yet, when a woman has one baby, they are granted maternity leave from work.  Usually, they have six

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    Stepmothers Often Feel Like the Fifth Wheel! Or, Even the Third Wheel Have you ever felt like a 5th wheel in your family?  I certainly have!  I have been a stepmother for over 20 years and I still have those moments.  You know what I'm talking about.  There is a family party and you feel as if you don't belong.  There is a family life cycle event and you feel like you don't know where you

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    10 Tips to Becoming the Joyful StepmotherImage by Marylou Falstreau Joy?!  What is she talking about?  I'm just trying to survive this stepfamily thing.  Remember, it's the simple things in life that really make a difference.  How many times have you wondered, "Did I make a mistake?"  Have you harbored thoughts that you may never be happy as a stepmother?  This class gives you 10 tips on

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    Talking about the Ex?Thanks to www.AnneTaintor.com for the image   Do you talk about the ex?  How often do you and your partner discuss the ex?  Be honest.  How much of your thinking day is focused on this subject?  If you don't know, I challenge you to carry a notebook and make a slash mark every time you talk about the ex.  You may be shocked at how much energy and time you spend

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    Your Family Can Laugh Like This! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQo2FJPLeQk We don't have to agree with how our partner is raising his/her children.  Your stepchildren do not have to like you.  The ex-wife does not have to like you.  None of these conditions stops us from having a good laugh. First, know that laughter is the cure for all fear.  It is the antidote to fear.  Many of our

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    It Takes Time for People to Know, LIke and Trust You. That's okay! When you think about buying a product or service, your preference is the work with someone that you know, like and trust.  It is a basic tenet of business and it takes time.  When you think about businesses that you frequent, how long did it take you to know, like and trust that person? Tell me if I am wrong, but I will

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    Leave a Comment and You May Win a CafeSmom Gift Set! Help me welcome the fantastic Heather Hetchler of Cafe Smom blog/coaching/stepmom store site.  Heather is one of our stepmom heroes and today we're going to talk about self care.  (Yes, I know.  You don't have the time!)  Listen to Heather talk about her recent journey towards self care and my failures in that area. Heather Hecthler is

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