If you’ve ever wanted someone to talk to, advice from a stepmom who’s walked in your shoes, or just to know you’re not alone, here are a few avenues you can pursue. Good luck!

*Check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to see if any stepparenting classes are offered though a community center in your town. Also call area hospitals – they sometimes offer parenting and stepparenting classes.

*If you have a college or community college nearby, check their offerings in the Continuing Education or Enrichment programs. If a stepparenting course isn’t available, request one. Particularly the non-credit courses are added based on community interest.

*Churches often offer a stepfamily Sunday school class or evening meetings for remarried adults. You normally don’t have to be a member to attend, so check around.

*Look in your Yellow Pages under “social organizations” or something similar. You’ll find lots of organizations that provide services for the community. Call and see what’s available.

*If you’re interested in starting something that doesn’t exist, consider placing an ad in your local newspaper asking to meet with other stepparents who might be interested in forming a support group. You might also post a notice on any community bulletin boards you find.

*Check online for support. You can begin with our resource page here. Many of these sites have forums where you can talk to real stepparents struggling with the same issues you have.

*You might be fortunate enough to live near a conference site. Successful Stepfamilies is one organization that travels the country offering seminars to stepparents. Check their schedule here. Smart Marriages is another. Check here.

*When you can’t find anyone to talk to, talk to yourself. No, I haven’t gone any crazier than normal, but sometimes it helps just to put your thoughts and feelings in writing. Try keeping a journal of your steplife, the good, the bad and the ugly. Let it all out in a private place and clear your mind. You’re very likely to spot some trends or habits you might be able to improve with a little work.

*When you need to say something delicate to your stepfamily members, rehearse. Even make yourself some notes, if you want, and plan for the encounters. That takes away some of the fear.

*And remember: You can’t take care of your family if you’re falling apart. God’s going to be up all night anyway, so give Him your worries and get some rest. We stepmoms need our strength!

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'Til next month . . . .

Warmly,
Karon
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