OFFICIAL BLOG

Fieldnotes

Being a Stepmother Can Weigh You Down — Special Guest Post on Standing Tall by Kim Cottrell

Published by Wednesday Martin
Self confidence starts with standing tall in your life
Self confidence starts with standing tall in your life


In researching my book Stepmonster, I came across dozens of studies in the sociological and psychological literature on stepfamily adjustment concluding that stepmothers have the toughest adjustment trajectory; experience high levels of anxiety; and are prone to burn-out, depletion, and even clinical depression at rates higher than mothers or stepfathers.


The Dad Effect: A Book for and About Fathers that You're Going to Love

Published by Wednesday Martin
How cute is this father/son shot?
How cute is this father/son shot?


Like a lot of books for and about stepmothers, books for fathers and books about fatherhood can be a little...trite. And Hallmark card-ish. Or lite. They're either "funny" or "self-help-y." Which is fine, if that's what you want. But if you want a really comprehensive, comparative look at fatherhood, if you want answers to the questions, "What happens to men when they have kids? How does it actually affect them?" you will love a book called Fatherhood: Evolution and Human Paternal Behavior. Don't be put off by the wonky title. Yes, it's wonky, but this book is also accessible, fun, and fascinating.


Stepmothers/Older Mothers: an Anthropologist on Why We Do What We Do When We Do It

Published by Wednesday Martin


I asked Kermyt G. Anderson, an evolutionary biologist and anthropologist, to weigh in on the topic of delayed childbearing. You know, older mothers! He makes the interesting point that in stepfamilies, we're often pushing our reproductive careers to the max, since we might be repartnering a little later in life post-divorce (or breakup), and then wanting to have a child or a family.


Let’s Stop Expecting Sandra Bullock to Be a Stepmartyr

Published by Wednesday Martin

Sandra Bullock is a huge star, America’s Sweetheart, an Oscar winner, an uber-celebrity—and one of us. I’m talking about her having married a man with kids from a previous relationship (or, in this case, two previous relationships). 


Crazed Fan Giveaway

Published by Wednesday Martin
You're not crazed. You're enthused!
You're not crazed. You're enthused!

In honor of Stepmother's Day a few days ago, the person who becomes my 400th fan will receive a free, autographed copy of my book Stepmonster. Just go to www.wednesdaymartin.com/about and click on "become a fan on FB." Or go to facebook, search "Wednesday Martin author" and become a fan on the Stepmonster page that comes up. Post a comment right here on this blog telling me you've done so — and if you're #400, you win.


Step/family Drama and the Prosecution of Tonya Craft

Published by Wednesday Martin
She accused her ex' wife of being inappropriate with her kids. Then she was slapped with charges of child sexual abuse.
She accused her ex' wife of being inappropriate with her kids. Then she was slapped with charges of child sexual abuse.


Tonya Craft, a Georgia kindergarten teacher, was accused of sexually molesting three young girls — including her own daughter. What role did an acrimonious divorce and remarriage, plus tension over custody of her two kids, play in her prosecution? Read my latest post for Psychology Today...and leave a comment!


Do You Do Too Much? Feel Stepped On? — How You Can End the Stepmartyr Cycle

Published by Wednesday Martin
Ever feel like even she might find stepmothering a trial sometimes?
Ever feel like even she might find stepmothering a trial sometimes?

Jacque Fletcher, author of the important and supremely helpful book Becoming a Stepmom and www.becomingastepmom.com, invited me to discuss "Stepmartyr Syndrome" with her several weeks ago for her terrific weekly podcast series. Here's the show. Have a listen and then tell me about it: Have you ever done so much for your husband's kids or your husband and his kids that you started to resent it? What were you doing? How did you change it. Are YOU a stepmartyr?


And the Get Happy winner is....

Published by Wednesday Martin
If you read it, you win...
If you read it, you win...

BioStep! Your name was chosen randomly from the list of commenters. Please email me your street address (wednesday@wednesdaymartin.com), and I'll pass it along to Dr. Katz. That way you'll get your free, autographed copy of The Happy Stepmother.