Claudette's Blog

I always say that parenting is a life long commitment. It never ends. I have a 26 year old son and two stepdaughters, 26 and 27 and let me tell you that I fell very much their parent now as I did when they were tiny.

Of course, it's very different today, because I don't tell them what to do (well, sort of ;0) ) but I am there to listen to them and talk about issues they go through as they now are married and are/becoming parents.

This is the same for divorced parents. Although you may not be married to your ex-spouse, both of you have a responsibility towards your children. So where does that leave me, as a stepmom? The same place I've always been, an additional parent to my stepdaughters when they need support or someone to listen to them.

Co-parenting isn't just for little kids or teens, but for "children" of all ages, even when they leave the house and have kids of their own. Being a co-parent means that wanting to prove yourself right or better than the other parent is not part of the curriculum. It means that all adults involved in the lives of their kids do what they consider is best for everyone involved.

It requires a lot of self reflection, awareness of what is going on, and openness to alternative ways of interacting.
If you didn't get a chance to listen to an interview call with me on Sunday, February 28, 2010, then I invite you to visit the Co-Parenting Matters or you can listen to the interview call here!

If you can't see Audio Player, you might need Flash. You can download it here

Let me know what you think or share your comments with us.

By Annie Fox

Good ol’ Mr. Rogers knew what he was singing about when he was putting on his sneakers: “I mean I might just make mistakes if I should have to hurry up and so I like to take my time.” When he was home, I’m sure his kids got at least the same level of attention as he gave his shoe laces. To his credit, that guy could really focus on one thing at a time.

Recently I’m becoming more aware of how cranky, stressed and distracted I get when I try to do a whole lot of stuff at once. So I’m trying to slow down and zero in. But it ain’t easy. Admittedly, as I’m writing this I’m also picking remnants of chewed almonds from in between my teeth, answering email, tweeting, and squinting at this sentence as I wonder how long it will take for the eyeglasses I left in our hotel room in Elko, NV to make their way back here. (Soon please!)

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Stepfamilies are often in a bind when it comes to money. It's already tough to buy all that is needed when you're in a "traditional" family but when the same money that comes in needs to be divided to two different households, that's really hard and needs lots of creativitiy.

Often times, stepfamilies are starting over financially. The money that had been saved or accumulated in the past has now gone to pay for divorce bills and child support. Many times, little is left over to pay for any extras. Couples often complain about having fights and arguments about and over money. It creates lot of stress and tension not only for couples but for the children. They may feel that if they didn't ask for certain things, then the parents wouldn't fight so much.

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You may be wondering why sometimes you see me on Facebook or Twitter for many days in a row and then Pouf! I’m gone. Well I have to tell you, after having three engagement parties (Yes that’s 3, within 6 months), marrying my oldest stepdaughter in May and then having another wedding at the end of August and then in September, I’m getting a little out of breath.

Yes, we have another wedding. Stepdaughter #2 is getting married at the end of August in Montreal and we are really happy for her. As she is juggling her booming career, taking personal development courses and putting her soon-to-be-husband through University, she is in the midst of buy a condo and preparing to get married. So you see, we tend to be a family that doesn’t let much grass grow under our feet. Luckily my son’s wedding will be in a few years from now. Right?

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I was finally able to figure out how to post photos on my blog. So here is the link to view some of the photos of the wedding. As I get more of them, I will update this blog. Feel free to comment if you wish. Click here to go the blog.

Arrived in Florida. I just have a few things to say before I move on. People! I just need to let you know that while driving 22 THOUSAND POUNDS of moving metal, I will not be able to stop on short notice. So if you insist on cutting me off on the highway while driving at 65 miles an hour, I may not be able to brake in time and may squish you. I would have no other choice but to say "OH MY GOD!".

Now that I got this off my chest, I would love to say that I really love Florida. I really liked our campground called Everglades Campground in Miami. It's really in Homestead but technically in Miami. We are surrounded by farms or I should say plots of land that are used to grow home and garden plants, decorative palm trees and even a few mango and avocadoes groves.

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Raising a family is always a tough job. But when you're in a stepfamily, there are certain things that can make family life tougher.... I would like to ask your help in getting the message out there -- What it is exactly that makes your stepfamily life difficult? And, where we could start to help stepfamilies to create a cohesive and happy family?

Tell me by taking a quick survey. There are 6 questions and it will take no more than a few minutes.

As a thank you, I've posted two reports that you may download for free. I really appreciate your time. Warmly, Claudette

Sometimes I get up in the morning wondering who I am. Why am I here? What's my purpose? And I think back to when I met my husband and his two daughters. I am thinking how wonderful life will be with these two beautiful girls, sisters to my son and we just grow and become one big happy family.

I've always wanted to be a mom, The mom that has fun with her kids, makes them cookies and clothes, and is there with them at their school rehearsal and games. I just wanted to be a part of their lives when they graduate and get married and have kids of their own.

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