When you choose to date or marry a person with kids, it’s crucial to recognize that you also inherit a third party in the relationship—the former spouse. I once spoke…
Blended
Four Stepfamily Myths
“No one in my family understands what it’s like to be a stepmom,” Michelle stated. “And why would they?” she continued. “Before I married a man with children, I had…
The Smart Stepmom—Who is She?
“I wish I had learned this stepfamily stuff before I got remarried,” Jessica, a one-year stepmom shared. “I assumed we would bond and blend easily. I want to love my…
Conflict in Marriage is Like Peeling an Onion
Do you know the unwinnable game at your local kids’ pizza place — the one where the machine pops up cylinder-shaped objects that the contestant must beat back down as fast…
Dear God, Please Superglue My Mouth Shut
A few years ago, my husband and I attended a lovely marriage retreat in the Georgia mountains. Even after thirty-two years of marriage Steve and I like to get away…
The Beauty of Do-Overs
The second the words left my mouth, I knew I blew it. I had been working so hard to build trust with this little boy who had his heart broken…
Stepmoms, Do It For Jesus
“Laura, I just got a call from my 22-year-old stepdaughter, Cassie,” my coaching client, Dena, stated. “I haven’t heard from her in four years. She and her dad talk occasionally,…
Sense and Sensibility Between Mom and Stepmom
Recently, I read a comment from a stepmom seeking insight on a situation regarding her stepson’s mother. Based on what she shared, in my humble opinion, both women were making…
Take the Pretty Nightie Challenge
My list of excuses for not doing it was long. And it was impressive because all of my excuses had validity to them. The whole “wearing-feminine-nighties-to-bed-thing.” Sigh. After a long…
Don’t Get Lazy in Marriage
Recently I’ve realized that I have gotten lazy in my marriage. I used to stop whatever I was doing and meet my husband at the front door when he got…