This tip is born from the concerns of a number of readers who have been emailing me about holiday worries, dramas, and tribulations. It seems that the holidays can bring out the worst when it comes to charged relations with exes; "visitation shenanigans" as one reader puts it; and unresolved issues between us and stepkinder.
From Peggy Nolan, this tip you need!! See my blog roll to the right for Peggy's site, the Stepmom's Toolbox. Full of great information, advice, and upbeat perspectives on stepmothering. Peggy Says...
I have three quick tips for you today, culled from experts including stepmothers in the trenches.
Reader Eyes Wide Open has this to say about how she gets through the holidays with her sanity intact:
Those people out in Boulder have all the fun. They get to live near the mountains, do workshops at the Naropa Institute — and get their heads adjusted by Mary Kelly-Williams. On December 15 Mary hosted a Stepmonster get-together, offering women with stepchildren company, sympathy, and insights galore. I'm told it was eye-opening and fun. Wish I could have been there. Thanks Mary for all you do for stepfamilies, and to everyone who was there! Anyone who is interested in Mary's fantastic work can check out the great advice on her website
Today's tip comes to you courtesy of Talia and Mary (thanks to you both) as well as Kela Price, one of my favorite stepmom coaches, of www.blendefamilysoapopera.com
Thanks for all your tips. Please keep them coming. Today's tip comes courtesy of Susan and PL. Susan writes:
Ten days until Christmas. But whatever you celebrate—Hanukkah, Kwanza, or something else—this is a high pressure season for stepfamilies.
If you have a teen step/daughter or know anyone who does, you'll want to read about sexting. Check out my newest post on psychologytoday.com — and leave a comment!
Thanks to all of for your very moving comments/ letters to your partners' exes and for reading my guest post, "What your child's stepmom wants you to know about her life" on the No One's the Bitch web site.