Wednesday Martin's Blog, page 17

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

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.

There's plenty to do about it. Seek out social support–whether that means other...

Father's Day Fun…and Fun Facts about Fathers and Fatherhood

Dad's involvement makes a huge difference.

The Council on Contemporary Families, a think tank on family life that I looooovvvveeeeeee, recently sent out a mailing all about fathers and Father's Day. As a lover of research-based insight (and trivia), I wanted to share. Happy Father's Day to the Dads and Stepdads reading. As a group you are more involved with your children and stepchildren than ever before, and making an unprecedented impact on not only your sons and daughters, but on the...

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

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...

Is Your Spouse Keeping Secrets From You? Good!

Hope you will check out my most recent article for psychologytoday.com on partnership, love, and lust. What role do secrets and novel experiences play in keeping marriages alive?

Tell me about it: Do you keep secrets from your husband or partner? Your comments will be kept secret, as always…

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Fighting Well, Fighting Fair in June issue of StepMom Magazine

Worth every penny

Hope you will check out the June issue of StepMom magazine. Yes, you'll have to subscribe–but it's worth it! This month's articles include one by me on how remarried with kids fight–everything you need to know about "conflict by proxy". That's when you have your husband or partner's feelings for him, or fight his battles for him.

Also look for helpful articles by Mary Kelly Williams (on money!), Jacque Fletcher, and many more.

Will You Divorce? One Factor Puts You At Greatest Risk

Not a pretty picture

There's been a lot of talk in the media recently about the "science" of a healthy, happy marriage. Based on the last decade of research, experts have identified some factors that put a marriage at risk for divorce. Have a look at my latest post for psychologytoday.com on the topic…and tell me about it: Have you ever considered divorce in your remarriage/repartnership with children? What changed your mind?

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

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...

Kelly Preston–and the Rest of Us

Kelly Preston is pregnant at 47

Are you following the story on Kelly Preston's pregnancy at age 47? Hope you'll have a look at my latest post for Psychology Today

And tell me about it: Did you become pregnant and have a child later in life?

Crazed Fan Giveaway

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.

If you're already a fan–tell your friends with stepchildren about the...

Step/family Drama and the Prosecution of Tonya Craft

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!