Laura Petherbridge
Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker, author, and life coach. She has five books, When I Do Becomes I Don’t Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce, The Smart Stepmom (co-authored with Ron Deal), 101 Tips for The Smart Stepmom, Quiet Moments for the Stepmom Soul, and Seeking a Silent Night: Unwrapping a Stepfamily Christmas. Her appearances include: The Billy Graham Training Center, Lifeway, Focus on the Family, Family Life, MomLife Today, MOPS, Christianity Today, iBelieve, Crosswalk and Celebrate Kids to name a few. She can be reached at www.TheSmartStepmom.com.
TheSmartStepmom.com
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5 Tips to Navigate the Challenges of Co-Parenting During the Holidays
"My kids and my stepkids are miserable and exhausted during the holidays," Nicole, a mom and stepmom, explained. "The flip-flopping between homes, different bedtimes, and all the...Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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4 Prayers for Stepfamilies Inspired by the Themes of Advent
Holiday time can be hectic for anyone. Blended families have unique situations and dynamics that most biological families don't experience. This creates additional logistics that can...Thursday, December 5, 2024
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7 Ways to Include Stepchildren in Christmas Traditions
I grew up in a big Italian family. My Nana cooked and prepared for weeks before Christmas Eve. When I became a stepmom, I thought I'd carry on that tradition and share it with my stepsons....Thursday, November 21, 2024
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4 Steps to Take When Your Stepkids Step Away
"My stepson asked me not to attend his graduation. He says he only wants his biological family to attend," stepdad Craig stated. "I've been in this kid's life since he was seven years old. I did...Thursday, September 12, 2024
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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, August 27, 2024
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What Is "Gray Divorce" and Why Is it Happening?
When kids observe their parents' divorce, it affects their view of marriage. Now, the younger generations are witnessing grandma and grandpa getting divorced. This cultural change communicates to...Tuesday, August 13, 2024
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Dear Stepmom...
Because I’m coming closer to the end of my life, I see things through a different lens. I didn’t have that perspective as a kid or young adult. I only had feelings. And they were a muddled,...Monday, August 12, 2024
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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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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