I once had a stepmom say to me, “You know, every time I go to my stepson’s baseball game the biological mom makes it very obvious that she does not…
Laura Petherbridge
Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker and author of, When ‘I Do’ Becomes ‘I Don’t’, The Smart Stepmom, 101 Tips for The Smart Stepmom, Quiet Moments for the Stepmom Soul. She has appeared at/on the Billy Graham Center, Family Talk (Dobson), Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, FamilyLife, Lifeway, and Moody Broadcasting. Laura has been a featured expert on the DivorceCare DVD series implemented in over 60,000 churches worldwide. In addition to the US, she has spoken in South Africa, Australia, and Canada. Laura and Steve live in Atlanta, Ga, and have been married for 35 years. She has two stepsons, daughters-in-law, and grandkids. She may be reached at www.TheSmartStepmom.com
10,000 Stepfamily Days
My husband recently woke up with a smile, “Happy 10,000 days!!” Steve beamed. “What?” I inquired, still groggy. “We met 10,000 days ago today. Happy anniversary,” He replied. My husband…
Stepmom Perks
There are times when being a stepparent can serve as an advantage. Children will sometimes share things with a stepparent that they will not disclose to a mom or dad….
The “Normal” Step Family
Recently, while in an airport I overheard two women discussing someone they know who is part of a step family. I wasn’t trying to listen, but they were right next…
Unconditional Love
No one has ever loved me like my husband does. I’m not sure why, I only know that Steve’s love for me overlooks my flaws, my tendency to be critical,…
Stompin’ On the Stepmonster
You would think after 26 years as a step mother there wouldn’t be anything new to learn. Wrong. It all began when we decided to update our last will and…
Weddings and the Step family
“My step daughter and I have had a great relationship for over 12 years,” the woman shared. “She is planning her wedding, and I assumed I would be included. But…
The Christmas Photo — What’s a Step family to do?
“My mom wants to have a new family picture taken for Christmas,” Tanya shared. “She updates the photo every few years and sends it with her Christmas cards.” “Everything was…
Daddy’s Little Girl
Father’s Day hasn’t always been an enjoyable experience for me. My parents divorced when I was eight years old. Before they separated I was “Daddy’s little girl,” but after the divorce,…
Pondering Limitless Love
In the ’70s, there was a wildly popular song by Roberta Flack entitled, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. It has a soothing melody and lovely lyrics. However,…