“My stepdaughter is breaking my heart,” Kristen, a stepmom, shared. “No matter how much I do for her, she just won’t let me into her life. I married her dad ten years ago, and I knew it would take time for her to embrace me as...
Recently, I asked a question on social media regarding women and where they seek wisdom. The responses varied. However, one particular theme, from an astounding number of women, caught my attention. “I didn't really have a mom. She was not there for me; I would never...
"Laura, I want to be loving and kind to my stepkids. But it's not easy. They are so bratty, manipulative and whiney that I often just want to get away from them. I feel horrible saying that out loud--but it's the truth, " Leah admitted....
What do stepmoms what? What do we really, really want? After more than 25 years of working with those in divorce recovery and stepfamily situations I believe we crave to feel understood, supported, respected and appreciated for our roles. We just don’t know how to get there. Recently,...
“Laura, my husband hates my son,” stepmom Staci lamented. “I’m not exaggerating. It's so obvious that even our friends and family notice,” she continued. “My spouse denies it and says I’m too easy on him and that I’m raising a “mama’s boy.” But the tension and...
Walking around the mall, looking at all the Christmas decorations and hearing familiar tunes, causes us to feel merry and bright. Right? Not always. As a matter of a fact seasonal depression is very common. The Mayo offers emotional guidance here But why? Why does a season that’s specifically...
Recently, at a stepmom event I observed the large number of full time stepmoms. These are women who have their stepkids full time, and mom is no longer in the picture. There are a variety of reasons why the numbers have significantly increased over the years....
In Part 1 of this blog (link) I shared why I have chosen to relinquish the exhausting and tedious work of trying to be a warrior. It’s God’s job, not mine. That is easier said than done, isn’t it? Especially for those of us who are strong...
Not long ago a friend of mine was dying of cancer that she had battled for many years. In one of her last Facebook posts she stated how tired she was, and that she was ready. Numerous people responded with comments such as, “Don’t give...
“My house is full of people, and I’m lonelier than I’ve ever been in my life,” stepmom Amelia shared. “I thought marrying a man with kids would ease my longing to have a child, but it’s actually made it worse,” she continued. “I now must “act”...