Laura Petherbridge
TheSmartStepmom.com
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5 Things People Don't Know about the Pain of Divorce
Even with divorce being so common today, people who haven’t lived it, typically don’t understand.Monday, February 6, 2023
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How Can I Make Holidays Easier for My Stepfamily?
Step-families during a holiday time, whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even summer, really struggle because you are dealing with more people, anytime you add more people you add more...Friday, November 11, 2022
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12 Traits of an Abusive Relationship
“My boyfriend is jealous. He gets furious when I won’t dump my friends and spend all of my free time with him,” the weeping woman shared with me. “I was so thrilled to have a devoted boyfriend that...Tuesday, July 12, 2022
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Mother's Day Through the Eyes of a Stepmom
Mother's day can ostracize stepmoms even more: all the work of parenting, but none of the joys associated with being a mom.Wednesday, May 12, 2021
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This Is the Reason God Actually Hates Divorce
For more than twenty-five years I’ve ministered to the divorced through resources and support groups. And for those who have ears to hear, and desire to have a heart like Christ, this is what I’d...Thursday, January 10, 2019
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What You Need to Know about Kids of Divorce
It’s imperative for parents to learn that they play a pivotal role in minimizing the trauma kids experience when their parents separate or divorce.Friday, April 13, 2018
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Are Stepmoms Pursuing the Wrong Goal?
What if the greatest gift we can give our stepkids is to become something other than another mother?Thursday, August 24, 2017
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How to Love an Unlovable Child
If I’m being totally honest there were times in my early years as a stepmom that I didn’t even like my stepsons, much less love them.Tuesday, June 6, 2017
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6 Things the Smart Stepmom Knows to be True
One of the most common misconceptions about stepfamilies is that everyone will bond quickly and smoothly.Wednesday, September 21, 2016
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How to Overcome the Stigma of being a Stepmom
There can be such a stigma—a menacing shame—that comes with being a stepmom.Thursday, September 15, 2016
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6 Things to Do When Your Stepchild Hates You
A smart stepmom learns what she can control, and sets boundaries and/or lets go of what she cannot.Thursday, August 11, 2016
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How to Make Special Occasions Easier for Your Step-Family
If a stepparent is going to enjoy—in some situations survive—special occasions, here are a few helpful tips.Wednesday, July 20, 2016
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4 Tips for the Stepmom Who Wants a Baby of Her Own
“He keeps insisting that I already have three kids, and asking why I need more. But I don’t have three kids—HE does!”Friday, November 13, 2015
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Handling the Holidays During Loss or Grief
Christmas can be an excruciating time of year for those who have experienced a loss. But there's hope.Thursday, December 18, 2014
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What Do I Do if My Remarriage is in Trouble?
Did you know statistics report that 60-73% of stepfamilies fail? What can you do to keep your family and marriage strong?Friday, October 31, 2014
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When Mother’s Day Hurts
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
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How to Defeat Obstacles as a Stepfamily
You would think after 28 years as a stepmom there wouldn’t be anything new to learn. Wrong.Friday, April 4, 2014
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Father’s Day: When Daddy Is Absent
When I joined a church, my pastor became the first example of what a faithful, wise, godly father and husband was supposed to look like.Friday, June 7, 2013