Pensive Stepmum

Lessons Learned When I Embraced My Role as Second Wife

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Coming into my role as a second wife to the love of my life…
Women Talking

Things I Wish My Stepchild’s Mom Knew

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I am often discredited as a stepmom blogger because my relationship…
Couple Toasting at Christmas

Five Steps to Survive the Holidays and Save Your Sanity

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I’ve fixed the holidays for you. You’re welcome. Read on.…
Girl Decorating Christmas Tree

Christmas Traditions: The Sibling Tree

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Last night, after…
Woman and Children

Why I Don’t Love My Stepchildren as My Own

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When Gabe and I married, I understood I was committing to him and Sara,…
Stepmum and Stepdaughter

Surviving the Stepdaughter War

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My stepdaughter Amy has a war raging within her. It surfaced…
Family Blending

The Ugly Truth About Blended Families

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Last night, as we settled into bed with a glass of wine, Gabe…
Teenagers Packing

Coming Home: Custody Transition Do’s and Don’ts

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Over the years, Billy and I have shared custody in many different…
Father and Child

Saying Goodbye: Custody Transition Do’s and Don’ts

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Years ago, when we first began sharing custody, I dreaded the…
Couple Hugging

What Every Second Wife Needs to Hear

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The most romantic statement Gabe ever made to me didn’t happen…
Mother and Adult Daughter

All Mothers Matter

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I recently watched my grandmother die. She was nearly 93, at…
Teenagers

Building Teenage Confidence Isn’t One Giant Leap

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The teenage years are well known as a time of self-doubt and…
Sad Teenager

Helping Your Step-Teenager Deal with the ‘Big Issues’

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The ‘big issues’ facing today’s teenagers may not immediately…
Boy Sitting Exam

Helping your Step-Teenager through the Exam Season

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Exam season can be a very stressful time, not just for the teenager…
Parent Disciplining Child

Disciplining Stepchildren: 5 Tips for Parents

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Whenever I coach stepfamilies – either parents, their children…