June 2010

June 2010 Newsletter for Blended and Step Families

In this month’s Newsletter:

Father’s day for dads and stepdads too
New Charlotte office

Father’s Day

Father’s Day for Dad (biological) and Stepdad

Father’s day is tomorrow, and it’s important to not forget all the fathers in your lives. This includes remembering the step dads in your lives and your children's lives. When you became part of a blended family, the stepdad who takes care of, loves and helps you guide your kids should also be given some credit and thanks. These men have taken care of children that aren’t their own. I know it’s hard for some, but encourage your kids to honor their stepdad this Sunday on Father’s Day.

If the kids are own their own and paying their own bills –it’s O.K. for them to skip acknowledging a step dad (if this step dad came into their lives after they moved out.) But- birthdays and holidays- they should sent a card or a gift- because this man is a part of their lives and their family.

Here are some quick ideas for cards and gifts

Notes

Have each kid write a short note to his/her stepdad listing the things they appreciated about him this year. Even young ones can dictate a letter and then draw a picture to go with it. List even simple things such as- Thank you for being a great step dad and picking me up from school, helping me with my homework, taking us out for pizza, etc. Put these notes together, in a gift bag or a card.

Make Gift Certificates

Take a regular sized paper and divide it into 3-6 pieces. Write on each- “This Certificate is good for ______________” Leave a space at the bottom for each child to sign the certificate. Then fill in the blanks. Some ideas may include- clean out the garage, help with the lawn, do the dishes, etc. (Anything you think your stepdad will appreciate.)

Questions:

Does the card actually have to say “Happy Father’s Day”?

Yes- a stepdad is the dad in that family. He has taken on the role of a parent in the home when he married your mom. Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of stepdad cards, available in the store. There should be a good selection for your child to find the right card.

If I do something special for my stepdad, I might be hurting my real dad. What should I do?

Stepdads and biological dads are not in competition. Honoring your stepdad does not take away any love for your real dad.

Summary

Blended families- celebrate your uniqueness and your differences! Honor your dads and stepdads this Sunday. Every opportunity to celebrate, as a family, will bring you closer together.

Charlotte office opens soon!

June 28^th, The Blended and Stepfamily Resource Center will have local Charlotte office hours. For more information about blended family coaching, contact me directly Shirley@BlendedFamilyAdvice.com or 704-541-1225.

The office is located at

6135 Park South Drive

Suite 510

Charlotte, NC 28210

(Right down Park South, from SouthPark.)

You can purchase sessions on the website, the same as the telephone coaching. Reserve your space now.

Talk with you again soon.

Shirley Cress Dudley

Shirley@BlendedFamilyAdvice.com

If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who would benefit by reading it, please forward this email to him or her.

Quick Links

Main Blended Family Website: http://www.TheBlendedandStepFamilyResourceCenter.com