MOTHER’S DAY FOR STEPMOMS

As we approach Mother’s Day (May 10th this year) we reflect on what a special person exists in all our lives. Regardless of time or geography, we celebrate the relationship we have with our Mom, even if she’s no longer with us physically. For those of us in stepfamilies, we get to celebrate the relationship with our stepmom, too. Although this relationship may be very different than the one with our biological Mother, it is oftentimes an important one as well. Let’s face it, some of us have developed great relationships with our stepparents over the years, although I’m not naïve enough to think that that’s always the case. The role a stepparent plays is often a difficult one. They almost never take the place of a biological parent, but fill a void left by a divorce or a death. Let me know how you celebrate Mother’s Day. What kind of relationship have you developed with your Stepmother over the years? Can you celebrate Mother’s Day for your Mom and your Stepmom? On May 10th let’s celebrate Mother’s Day for all Mothers!

Dr. Rick

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Stepfamilies in Australia

Stepfamilies today are becoming a prominent part of Australian family life. It is currently estimated that one in five Australian families is a stepfamily. All families need information, education and support. While resources for biological families are available in the community, services often fail to address the unique differences associated with stepfamilies. Stepfamilies Australia is a partnership between the Stepfamily Associations of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, formed in July 2007.

Stepfamilies Australia works as a catalyst, adding value to the family relationships sector. The innovative work of its members takes a lead to break through myths and sends a message to the community that stepfamilies are complex and hard work, but also achievable, with support.

For more information, news and tips please visit the Stepfamilies Australia website!

Lasting Friendships

This weekend we had a barbeque with some of my long time friends. We brought together a group of friends that haven’t seen each other in 15-20years. Though I’ve seen some of them off and on we haven’t stayed connected the way we should have, Rick hadn’t even met some. When you do something like this memories fly back into your mind making you feel almost like a teenager again and taking you back to another life. Alina, the redhead was my best friend growing up, we met in first grade. We just reconnected after a 15 year separation and it’s like we never were apart. As always we have promised to stay in touch and I think this time we will, we are all mature enough to realize how quickly time flies and how important true friends, old and new, are to our lives.

Carmen

What's Your View of The World?

What’s Your View Of The World?
Two people are in a relationship and are smart enough to recognize that getting along and moving ahead involves acknowledgement and compromise. The basis of compromise and resolving disagreements comes from the understanding that two people can look at the same picture and see different things. Both views are correct because that’s your view of the world. Let’s face it, we live our lives by the way we see, hear, and feel the world around us. Each of our perspectives is 100% correct, regardless of what is factually real. There are no absolutes! If we will all be tolerant of other people’s opinions and perceptions, things would run alot smoother.
Dr. Rick

Stepmom, Stepdad, Stepkids, Blended Family, Stepfamily - We are on YouTube!

Check out our new YouTube Channel. Share your thoughts via video commenting - upload your stepfamily videos, and so much more. So, HIT PLAY and and stop by our YouTube channel so say hello!

Getting older is real.

Getting Older.
Is it just a cliche? I don’t think so.
Getting older is real. More forgetful, get tired sooner, can’t stay up as late, can’t eat anything and everything without the Rolaids handy, creaks and aches that come out of nowhere. As my mother used to say, “Getting older is not for sissies!”
On the other hand, better insight, stronger ties to family, more mature attitude (sometimes!), better decision making, higher tolerance for disappointments. This is me. How about you?

Dr. Rick

A word from National Stepfamily Day!

Dear Dr. Rick, My name is Christy Borgeld and I am founder of National Stepfamily Day.

I would like to commend you for doing such positive and supporting work on behalf of stepfamilies everywhere. As the stepmother/stepfather become central figures in the lives of our children, in a time that can be confusing for them, it’s comforting to know people like you dedicate and strive to work towards a common positive goal. It’s one that I share with you. You’re cards touch the inner thoughts and feelings that real stepfamily members feel. I was so moved by so many of cards. I admire your work.
My personal work with National Stepfamily Day came from some struggles with my own stepfamily. We sure hit some bumps along the way.

Today, I can tell you that our 16 year old stepfamily is very close and loving. We all share an intense desire to share happiness together. But it was through some of the heartache in our earlier years that I knew stepfamily issues needed to be brought to the forefront. So, National Stepfamily Day was born out of my vision to see that happen. Today, National Stepfamily Day is celebrated in the Untied States, Canada, and the U.K. Along with a National Stepfamily Day picnic that celebrates our families.
I would love to suggest a National Stepfamily Card for September 16? Maybe we could work on that one together?I look forward to sharing our idea’s and support each other with our endevors. Christy Borgeld Founder-National Stepfamily Day-September 16 EST. 1997

Are my feelings legit?

I wonder how many children have experienced this situation in their families? Your parents were divorced when you were young and you have been living with your Mom since the split. Your Dad's visits with you started out pretty regularly, but have gotten less and less frequent over the years. Maybe he got remarried and has a new family or maybe the interest is lower. Who knows? Your Mom married this new man a few years back (your stepfather) and it's turned out OK. In fact, your attachment to him is getting greater than your attachment to your biological Dad. Does this present a problem for you? You know--loyalty, commitment, jealousy on either of the Dad's parts? I just want to say that any of these feelings are legit.

Tell me how you're feeling about this. Let's see if we can get a dialogue going with others in this situation.
Dr. Rick