Recently on social media I saw a woman’s birthday wishes from her friends and family. Most of the cheerful comments blended into one another. But there was one that stood out. It was a picture of the woman and her young adult daughter. Her daughter had written a simple, but Read more…
As seen on Today Parenting Team and @Today Show on Instagram; Love What Matters and Kidspot.com.au When we found out I was expecting our first “ours baby,” we were ecstatic and overjoyed. But there was a part of me that felt remorse. The remorse was wondering if it was fair Read more…
Two years ago, our family hosted a foreign exchange student from Germany. Back when I was a college student, my studies had led me to study music in Germany for three years. After that experience, I knew someday I would want to host a German student in my home. So Read more…
You know who you are. You’re the burned out step-parent who has a needy or difficult stepchild. This stepchild is in your face, in your space; maybe he’s being demanding, maybe she’s being whiny. Maybe he’s your little shadow — constantly needing you or your partner — or maybe she’s Read more…
We moms are so good at believing in our kids, aren’t we? We see their goodness; their potential. We tell them from the time they are young to believe in their dreams. We say, “you have the world at your fingertips,” and “you can do anything you set your mind Read more…
Recently we celebrated my stepson’s high school graduation. It wasn’t our first graduation ceremony as a blended family. Three years ago we sat on those same bleachers, watching my stepdaughter cross the same stage wearing a cap and gown, diploma in hand. For us, this marks the end of an Read more…
Should a stepmom be celebrated on Mother’s Day? After all, stepmoms aren’t “real” moms…are they?
To you moms and stepmoms and grandmas and care givers and helpers out there. You know who you are. You are one who has been faithfully sacrificing in big and little ways for days…and months…and years. You’ve been giving selflessly of yourself, reaching out to others, even when that has Read more…
Does Disciplining Stepkids Work? “Whatever you do, don’t discipline his kids.” I looked at her with confusion. “Really?” I wondered aloud. She looked at me with a sly grin. “Just be their friend. Let Dad be the bad guy.” My friends and I were just finishing my bachelorette party. The Read more…
When my daughter was nearing the end of her preschool years, I became acutely aware of other stay-at-home moms around me getting ready to send their little ones off to kindergarten. They spoke of the tears they had as they let go of that little hand, watching their child disappear Read more…