by Gayla | Dec 9, 2010 | Blog, character, perseverance, stepfamily holiday tips
In the wake of Elizabeth Edward’s death this week, I’m reminded of a resiliency few people possess. With unending optimism toward life’s challenges, she faced her struggles head on, refusing to hide behind the curtain of her...
by Gayla | Dec 6, 2010 | attitude, Blog, conflict, stepfamily holiday tips, successful stepparenting
The Serenity PrayerGod grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know thedifference. I can list dozens of circumstances within our stepfamily I wish I could change. Instead I seek to accept difficult...
by Gayla | Dec 1, 2010 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships
Family traditions are a great way for stepfamilies to connect with one another. Family members come together and work toward a common goal in a non-threatening environment. Traditions can be as simple as picking out a tree together or making paper chains to count...
by Gayla | Nov 29, 2010 | Balance, Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, take care of yourself
My parents live out of state and visited for several days over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a wonderful visit and I enjoyed our time together. But I was mindful of my tendency to focus on my to-do list during this busy season instead of...
by Gayla | Nov 24, 2010 | Blog, hope, perseverance, stepfamily holiday tips
My husband and I married in mid-October 15 years ago, and the holidays descended upon us as we began our new life together. My expectations of a joyous holiday season quickly faded as the reality of combining two households with different traditions and outside...
by Gayla | Nov 22, 2010 | attitude, Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, take care of yourself
During the holiday season, it’s natural to see and talk with outside family members more often. It’s uncomfortable to see your ex-spouse or former in-laws if communication is strained. When possible, commit to do your part to be friendly and easy to get...
by Gayla | Nov 17, 2010 | Balance, Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, take care of yourself
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.” Charles SpurgeonWhen emotions are high during the holiday season, it’s easy to worry about the upcoming visitation or encounter with difficult family...
by Gayla | Nov 15, 2010 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips
As we move toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, I want to include some holiday tips I’ve written about previously. Holidays can be very stressful for stepfamilies and it’s helpful to be aware of what we can do to make the holiday season an...
by Gayla | May 7, 2010 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, stepmother role
I couldn’t resist sharing this picture of Momma Bear and her cubs. Motherhood seems so simple in the “wild,” compared to the complications we’ve created in society.I want to offer an additional suggestion today for celebrating Mother’s...
by Gayla | Dec 31, 2009 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily marriage
I love a new year. It’s a great time to consider changes we want to make, successes we’ve had and challenges we’ve dealt with.Goal setting plays an important role in making changes or setting new priorities for our family relationships. If we want...
by Gayla | Dec 29, 2009 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips
Holiday Tip # 10 – Do the Right ThingI worked for a dynamic leader in the corporate world years ago whose motto in business was “Do the Right Thing.” He grew his business by treating others with respect, making decisions with customers and vendors...
by Gayla | Dec 24, 2009 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips
Holiday Tips for Stepfamilies #9 – Tame Your TongueWith Christmas Day upon us, it may be inevitable that we see people we don’t like or want to spend time with over the next few days. If we are exchanging our children with the other household, we may see...
