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Feel Cared About

Speaking from an open heart can seem so vulnerable. Yet naming your truth with simplicity and sincerity, and without contentiousness or blame, has great moral force.

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Our Stepparenting Experts

Jeannette Lofas

Jeannette Lofas

Founder of the Stepfamily Foundation

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Sally Bjornsen

Sally Bjornsen

Creator of the Sassy Stepmother web site and author of The...

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Dr. Carl Pickhardt

Dr. Carl Pickhardt

Psychologist and author of Keys to Successful Stepfathering

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News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

What's in a Name?

Your spouse has a child from a previous marriage, and then the two of you bring home a bundle of joy. When that bundle starts talking, things can get complicated. Your bio-child calls you mom/dad, of course, but what about your stepchild? Should your stepchild call you mom/dad? Even if you’re happy with the parental designation, the biological parent who has had that title since your stepchild’s birth might object. BonusFamilies knows it may be difficult, but it’s best to talk it out and come to an agreement that will satisfy everyone.

Posted: 3/4/08