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.

I have a really big favor to ask of you...I need your help with a goal that I’ve set for myself. I want to reach 1000 stepfamilies in the next 10 days. That’s right 1000 stepfamilies in the next 10 days!

But I can’t do it on my own and that’s why I’m asking for your help. I am asking you to forward this emails to your family, friends, co-workers, people you know. The fact is that everyone knows of a stepfamily or two (and probably more).

Why do I want to reach these families?

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OK. Here as another question for you to pounder. This one actually came to me after talking with couples who had been widowed for a while and eventually remarried.

Stepfamily issues arise only when younger children or teens are involved. True or False.

As you consired this question, ask yourself why or why not is this situation different or not.

See you on Wednesday.