The Stepmom's Toolbox

A common lament among all of us stepmothers is "When will this all end?" or "When will this get better?"  I ask myself that same question and I have reached a new conclusion.  I think it is us.  Stepmothers are a fragile tribe.  We are hard working and focused, but our hearts are easily broken. Have you ever wondered what will happen to you if you and your partner divorced?  What will happen to you if your partner passed away?  This show deals with our own fears and thoughts around our own abandonment. I am curious about your thoughts.  www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com @StepmomSpeaks  

Okay, I’ll admit it.  I want a Knight in Shining Armor.  I want someone who will defend me at all costs.  My Knight understands everything I say and he always thinks that I am right.  Ever feel the same?  I explain my master plan in this show on Stepmom Toolbox. Get ready for the Knights of the Stepmom Stable. Barb http://theevilstepmotherspeaks.com/ Tweet me @StepmomSpeaks

Stepparenting comes with it's unique sets of issues from understanding our roles in the new family to managing expectations. What can we do about it? My guest this week is Michele Sfakianos, author, nurse and mother as well as grandmother shares with us ways to overcome some of the obstacles stepfamilies face. Michele's book is "The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting" available at http://www.my411books.com/ Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm EST where you will hear messages of hope and inspiration that will help you shorten the learning curve of being a surviving stepmom to one who is THRIVING. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves” Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go towww.stepmomcoach.com/shopTaking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Isn't it all about trust? At the end of the day, don't we want our partners, stepchildren and bio parents to trust us?  Isn't it frustrating when they don't?  After all, we know that we are trustworthy. Trust is not about keeping secrets.  It's about a lot more than that.  On today's show, let's explore the 5 characteristics that span the world of trust.  We're going to expand these 5 tips from the business world to our families. I hope this show helps to create a trusted stepfamily in your home. As always, Barb Goldberg The Evil Stepmother Speaks @StepmomSpeaks  

Paddy Eger is a retired teacher but is still passionate about helping kids achieve their best at school. This starts in the home. Parents need to be involved but with busy lives we have, how can we participate? Paddy will share her wisdom and expertise in helping to educate America. For more about Paddy Eger, visit her website at www.paddyeger.com Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm EST where you will hear messages of hope and inspiration that will help you shorten the learning curve of being a surviving stepmom to one who is THRIVING. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves” Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go towww.stepmomcoach.com/shop Author of forthcoming book "WHY? The 10 Most Commonly Asked WHYs Stepmoms Ask"Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

WHAT ABOUT DAD?  OFTEN IGNORED, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. DAD EXPERT, BRUCE SALLAN, JOINS THE STEPMOM TOOLBOX FOR AN AUTHENTIC TALK ABOUT WHERE WE ALL FIT INTO THE STEPFAMILY PICTURE.  WELCOME AS WE TAP INTO DAD’S WISDOM. Welcome our guest, Bruce Sallan of #DadChat and the renowned blog, A Dad's Point of View.  Bruce writes and talks about parenting issues from the dad’s point-of-view.  It is Bruce's contention that the dad’s point-of-view is less “heard” yet equally valuable to parents. His subject matter covers parenting situations he has experienced, but especially the ones that he believes are relevant to a great number of parents. Bruce is a renaissance man.  He has a radio show, The Bruce Sallan Show, which can be heard on KZSB 1290 in Santa Barbara and on the internet on Thursdays, 11:06am and 9:00pm, and Saturdays 12pmPST.  He is the author of the books, A Dad's Point of View and The Empty-Nest Road Trip Blues.  Join Bruce for his weekly #DadChats live on Twitter where Bruce tackles the current parental issues of the day. There is much to learn from a Dad that's been there and done that!  

I'm so excited to have on our show today Peggy Nolan, founder of The Stepmom's Tool Box.  We'll be talking about what's going on in the Stepmom World, some great and exciting events and for sure, great words of hope and inspiration from Peggy and myself.  The mission of this radio show is to share with you messages of hope and inspirtation that will help you shorten the learning curve of being a surviving stepmom to one who is THRIVING. Talk with you soon Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves” Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go towww.stepmomcoach.com/shopTaking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

There are those that say that stepfamilies can never be like "normal" families.  In a recent article in The Telegraph, Dr. Wednesday Martin says exactly this: Step-families aren’t families in the traditional sense, so let’s ban the idealistic language and get realistic about second marriages with children. Let's extend this conversation and ask ourselves another question: Do we really want to be like "normal" families? Maybe, we should take a look at many of our preconceived notions of how human relationships should work.  I welcome your comments, Barb Goldberg The Evil Stepmother Speaks Tweet me @Stepmom Speaks

There are those that say that stepfamilies can never be like "normal" families.  In a recent article in The Telegraph, Dr. Wednesday Martin says exactly this: Step-families aren’t families in the traditional sense, so let’s ban the idealistic language and get realistic about second marriages with children. Let's extend this conversation and ask ourselves another question: Do we really want to be like "normal" families? Maybe, we should take a look at many of our preconceived notions of how human relationships should work.  I welcome your comments, Barb Goldberg The Evil Stepmother Speaks Tweet me @Stepmom Speaks

Today's topic: IMPROVE YOUR MARRIAGE - DON'T OVERLOOK THE OBVIOUS. Russell Irving of www.DontOverlookTheObvious.com spent years in human services working with diverse population, in which he dealt with family and relationship issues. Russell worked in various health related fields, helping young men and women deal with adversity.  Russell is recognized as a "Singles" & "Marriage" Expert by the media as well as author of 3 books.  Russell will share some common marriage traps to avoid importance of rituals in a marriage ways stepmoms can help their kids in life the role of sex & physical intimacy in marriage and much more. Join us at 1 pm ET and learn how to Improve Your Marriage -  Don't Overlook the Ovious Talk with you soon. Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves” Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go towww.stepmomcoach.com/shopTaking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

Do you find yourself comparing yourself to the ex?  Do you secretly find yourself comparing yourself to the prior spouse?  After all, it's a natural thing to do.  The reality is that we have shared the same partner.  It's a little bit creepy.  If you have ever felt this way, this show is for you. Let's stop the comparisons.  It's draining and a waste of time.  So, how can we get our brains to stop taking us to this space?  You'll have to listen! www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com Tweet me at @StepmomSpeaks

  Last week, we had a recording glitch so I decided to redo this episode. So many stepmoms feel like they are outsiders looking in their families. And in some respects, they are. Join me as I share my perspective on this and give you strategies to help you overcome "The Outsider Syndrome" Claudette Chenevert The Stepmom Coach www.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves” Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go towww.stepmomcoach.com/shop Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?  Really?  All I want is a little control over my life.  Can I get a little help around here?  Can I get heard?  Can someone get my spouse to hear or see something/anything that could improve around our stepfamily dynamics?  Sound familiar?  Is it just me?  All I want is a little control.  But, maybe, I am not asking the right question.  I guess at the end of the day, we're all looking for peace or that feeling of freedom that equates to joy in your life. Jeanette Maw is back!  Her site, Good Vibe University, is one of the best to teach all of us how to conquer life's challenges and learn how to conquer our frustrations.  Learn the basic tenets of the law of attraction and take real control over your life and mind.  In this show, we're going to review some of the common stepfamily situations and let Jeanette advise all of us.  Can't wait! This is Barb Goldberg of www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com If you feel like sending me a tweet, feel free @StepmomSpeaks

So many stepmoms feel like they are outsiders looking in their families. And in some respects, they are. Join me as I share my perspective on this and give you strategies to help you overcome "The Outsider Syndrome" Claudette ChenevertThe Stepmom Coachwww.stepmomcoach.com Forthcoming author of book “WHY: 10 WHYs most stepmoms ask themselves”Are you struggling with communication issues? Would you like a handy book that could save you grief and heartache? “31 Days to Better Communication” can help you connect with your significant other and kids. To get your copy, go to www.stepmomcoach.com/shop Taking stepmoms from Surviving to THRIVING, one STEP at a time!

* Sarcastic! In 2002, I read a rant on the blog, Heartless Bitches.  The rants on this site are funny and wildly sarcastic.  This rant called How to Become an Evil Stepmother always stuck with me. I think we will all recognize pieces of our families. On today's show, we're going to give the list of mistakes that ultimately turn loving stepmothers into evil stepmothers.  Often, it is not our fault but the actions of the people around us that put us in impossible situations that we can't escape.  So, sit back and listen to see if any of these mistakes are happening in your family.   www.TheEvilStepmotherSpeaks.com @StepmomSpeaks