The Stepmom's Toolbox

Only a stepmom would know what I mean when I say the "transition days".  Right?  It is the day that the kids come and the day that they leave.  It also includes the anticipation days prior and post their stay.  All of our schedules are different, but have you ever felt the anxiety of anticipating that your stepkids were moving in?  Did you secretly feel as if you didn't want them to come?  It's okay.  You don't have to admit it because we have all had those feelings.  You, also, don't have to be ashamed of those feelings.  Actually, they are normal. Today, we're going to talk about why this happens to us and what we can do about it.  As always, you can find me at: Barb Goldberg www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com or Tweet me @StepmomSpeaks

We love our kids, but sometimes we just don't get them.  We try to be friends and that doesn't work. We tell them what to do and that makes it even more challenging.  So what should a parent (even stepparents) do to raise good people? Join me as I ask those questions to teen expert, Annie Fox. To find out more about Annie and her work, go to http://www.anniefox.com/index.html This is Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach.  Welcome to the Show where we help you feel more empowered and hopeful about your role as a stepmom. The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Have you ever said to yourself, "I didn't ask for this!" as a reaction to your  stepmom frustrations.  Maybe, we have all said or thought this at one time or another.  We all say we didn't ask for this, but did we?  Really?  I say that we did ask for it.  We just didn't know it.  Yes, we did ask for a life where we sometimes feel resentment, bitterness and a lack of acknowledgement.  Before you get annoyed, let me explain my theories and help you overcome these feelings. I'm Barb Goldberg and you can always find me at www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com.  Tweet me @StepmomSpeaks.

Legal issues around child custody is often a big problem for stepfamilies.  What is the best way to deal with this?   On today's show, Candi Banghart, a Family Advocate and Mediator in Des Moines Iowa will share her expertize on the difference between mediation and litigation and what works best for stepfamilies.  To find out more on Candi Banghart's services, you can go to her website at www.familylifeconsulting.com The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Welcome to the Halloween edition of The Evil Stepmother Speaks on The Stepmom Toolbox Show.  Did you ever feel as if you are in your own family horror movie?  I always thought it was similar to the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. There were times that I felt like I lost myself in the midst of this complicated family.  Where did I go?  Did you ever watch yourself and think, "Why did I say or do that?  I would never do that!"  Have you seen your own life, prior to your life as a stepmother, start to morph into your stepfamily life?  Now, you can't tell the difference any more!  NO!  HELP! SAVE ME! Let's talk about some of these dynamics and I'll give you some tips. Happy Halloween!  Boo! www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com @StepmomSpeaks    

Today's guest is Reina Weiner, an inspiring author and motivating speaker whose focus is trust - trusting yourself as a parent (her first book - Strong From the Start - Raising Confident and Resilient Kids) and now, trusting yourself as a patient.  Her second book, -  Trust Your Doctor, But Not That Much! - is presently under construction. Her career as an oncology representative, national oncology trainer, adjunct professor of Pharmacology and Medical Terminology and now a patient has directed her most recent path.  Reina trusts that you’re smart , have common sense and that you’re more powerful than you realize. The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

So, the bio parents are arguing about famiy matters.  Next thing you know, the ex wants to talk to you about what is happening.  Or, the ex wants to discuss family matters with you rather than talk to the other bio parent.  Hmmm....Sounds like a lose-lose proposition. I will give you tips and specific responses to some of these discussions.  Join me and see if any of these scenarios sound familiar.  If you have not been put in this position, this is a great show to download so you have the tools ready, if and when you are put in this position.    

Money is an important part of our lives. When we have plenty, we tend to feel good about our lives but when money is tight, we are more stressed. My guest today is author, speaker and coach, Emily Bouchard of Blended-Families.com and she will talk with us about "Understanding Your Relationship with Money and How it Impacts Your Relationship with your StepFamily" The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

I have often said that if I were forced to give one piece of advice regarding stepparenthood, this would be it.  Shame the Parent, Shame the Child.  Always remember that when you bad mouth the parent, you might as well be saying the same thing to your children.  It is a painful, painful place. Today, we'll talk about some of the dynamics behind the concept of shame and parents and children.  Most importantly, we'll review a few tips to make sure that we don't make this mistake.   www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com @StepmomSpeaks

On today's show, I'll be talking about what is a family. Who are the people that make up our family? Does it have anything to do with whether you live under one roof or share the same blood?  Hi there.  This is Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach.  Welcome to the Show that is there to help you feel more empowered and hopeful about your role as a stepmom. The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Have you ever felt like a 5th wheel in your family?  I certainly have!  I have been a stepmother for over 20 years and I still have those moments.  You know what I'm talking about.  There is a family party and you feel as if you don't belong.  There is any type of family life cycle event and you feel like you don't know where you should sit.  What about the times that you are with the family and the discussions turn to memories and stories that happened "before your time"? Let's talk about it and give some solutions.

Hi there.  This is Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach.  Welcome to the Show that is there to help you feel more empowered and hopeful about your role as a stepmom. This week, speaker, parent educator and author of the book "Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Children" Christina McGhee will be sharing with us ways to help children avoid being pulled between two homes.  Join us in this very important show called "Two homes, One Heart - How to create a home for children that don't live with you full-time. The mission of The Stepmom Coach is to provide you with education and support to those seeking to make the changes necessary to create a cohesive family.  If that’s you, then you are in the right place.  I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Would you be horrified if your kids talked about money the way your ex does? When your child is the middleman who hands you money from your ex, does it cause spine tingling chills? Are you prepared to discover what money monsters have come out of your closet? Join Paula Bisacre, publisher of RemarriageWorks.com as she interviews Renee Canali, Mindset Coach and David Neagle Certified Coach/Miracle of Money Mentor about money from a stepchild's point of view. What money legacy are you giving your children in your remarriage? Tune in on October 1 at 8 pm as we talk about money stories in blended families and how to turn tricks into treats!

Joy?!  What is she talking about?  I'm just trying to survive this stepfamily thing.  Remember, it's the simple things in life that really make a difference.  In this class, we're going to discuss how to grasp joy.  I am going to teach from Dr. Martha Beck's book called The Joy Diet.  You will leave with specific techniques on how to bring joy to yourself and to your family. It may not feel this way to you, but when you are joyful, the family will "catch" your happiness.  Joy is contagious. Join us for this quick class that will be life changing. Find me at:  www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com Tweet me at:  @StepmomSpeaks      

Hi there.  This is Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach.  Welcome to the Show that is there to help you feel more empowered and hopeful about your role as a stepmom. On today's show, I'll be sharing with you tips on how to: Get along with others in ways that will significantly change your relationship Achieve a greater sense of over-all peace and  satisfaction in the home How to look for win/win situations And much more If you have any questions you would love to me to address on the show, post them on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClaudetteChenevert.StepmomCoach I look forward to sharing with you great stories and information that will transform your life and those around you. See you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone important in your life? Great mini book called "Words of Hope, Inspiration and Wisdom for Stepmoms".    Get your copy here at www.stepmomcoach.com/products  Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!