The StepFamily Center

In This Issue
Bringing a New Baby into a StepFamily
Join the StepMom's Support Group Now!
Tip of the Month
Listen for Susan!
What is a StepFamily?
A Note From the Founder: 

Susan Davis Swanson

 
Spring is here, and that means a time of newness and renewal! 
 
Make this a time to learn about stepfamily life so that you and your spouse can start "anew" this spring. When bio parents really learn why stepparents have a hard time in the role of a step (and this is especially true for the role of stepmom) they can stop blaming themselves or their partner and "begin again."
 
Stepfamily life is about regrouping, taking another breath and moving forward. But when we hold onto the old resentments and hurts, we can't do that with ease. 
 
This month's article is focused on bringing a new baby into a family where children already exist, and handling the myriad of feelings that come up. Of course, we can only hit a few, but the most important thing to remember is that everyone is trying to adjust to change and most of us have a hard time with change. 
 
So let's make a new beginning this spring to start anew and with a fresh perspective!  
  
Warmly,
 
Susan Davis Swanson
Founder/Executive Director
StepFamily Life Newsletter  
 
April 2009
 
Bringing a New Baby
into a StepFamily 
 
You've married your perfect partner and finally become pregnant with your child together. It is your first child and your partner's third. He is excited, but you don't feel that he is as excited about the pregnancy as you are. Your partner's other children are definitely not as excited about it as you, and you can already sense jealousy of the new baby. The joy you were experiencing at the thought of your first born has become lessened by the anxiety of bringing your baby into a stepfamily. Here are some ways to lessen that anxiety and make sure your transition into mommyhood is the joyous experience it should be.

Support, Support, Support for StepMoms and StepCouples

Join The StepFamily Center's StepMom Support Group, where you can meet with other stepmoms to discuss issues and get tips and support. The group will also make time to bring in the guys, because we're all in this together!

The StepMom Support Group will meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 8:00-9:30 p.m. in Beverly Hills. For more information, contact Susan directly at (310) 274-2780 or [email protected].
April Tip of the Month 
 
In a stepfamily, there are so many moveable parts that it is almost impossible to keep track of, let alone control, everything that may be happening. You may think you have a handle on something and then it completely backfires! This is disconcerting and, yet, a typical part of stepfamily life. Hold onto your hats! What you think should be simple will surprise you!  
Listen for Susan!
 
On Tuesday, April 28, Susan will be presenting
Anatomy of a StepFamily: What Therapists Need to Know When Working With People in StepFamily Life at the Thelma McMillan Center in Torrance. 

And don't miss Susan's radio premiere on Thursday, May 14, when she will join host Joe Bruzzesse to discuss innovative ways to help stepfamilies thrive. The 1-hour show begins at 10 a.m. PST. Click here to find out how to tune in and ask questions!
What is a StepFamily? 
 
A StepFamily is a family of two adults, at least one of whom has a child by a prior relationship. More than 50% of Americans will live in a StepFamily at some point in their lives, and StepFamilies outnumber nuclear families in the United States! Find out more by visiting us at www.stepfamilycenter.com.  
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All rights reserved 2004-2009. Susan Davis Swanson, LCSW, The StepFamily Center.