Tag: parenting

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5 Tips for the First Years as a Step-Parent

— Katy Flint2 Comments
5 Tips for the First Years as a Step-Parent

There are articles in magazines and all over the internet for surviving your first trimester of a pregnancy, the first year of your babies life..there are books written about it.  But what about those of us who actually didn’t birth the children in our care?? Becoming a stepmom is the most wonderful, difficult, rewarding, and frustrating thing I’ve ever experienced in my life! I can’t imagine my life without my step-sons in it anymore, but wow were those first couple of years tough!!  Here are my top 5 tips for step-parents to help you survive the first years as a step-parent!

     5.  Stop Comparing Your Family to Other Blended Families – it’s easy to compare yourself to Bob & Mary down the street and how their blended family works, but it’s pointless!  Every blended family is different and that’s because every person is different, every divorce is different, and every marriage is different.  Realize this and be OK with it.  Be confident in the blended family you have and focus on it!  Don’t compare yours to someone else’s because you will always feel let down!

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You Stay Home, I’ll Go To Work, Part 1

— Katy Flint4 Comments
You Stay Home, I’ll Go To Work, Part 1

“On our second date, both my husband and I said we wanted one of us to be home with our kids” 

“It was really quite easy for me..I know I’m an odd mom!!  However, I appreciate that space…I appreciate the “freedom” and time away – then I can love up on them even more when I get home!”  

Ah, the age-old question of being a full-time SAHM (stay at home mom) or FTWM (full-time working mom).  (And before I go any further my acronym for moms who work full-time outside the home is not to imply that SAHM’s don’t work, this is just the easiest way to identify between the two.)  It seems like this has been a debate for as long as man-kind has been around, however lately I’ve noticed an increase in judgement of those that stay home and those that work from people in the opposite groups.  I decided to do a little unscientific research of my own.  I polled my Facebook fans and friends to gather questions for both groups as well as me having a few questions of my own, then I asked a couple friends (both SAHM and FTWM to help me out and answer the questions.  My goal is for all of us to better understand each other and ultimately support each other no matter which route we choose for our family!  So, here’s what I found out!

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To Child Athletes & Parents, Part 2

— Katy FlintLeave a comment

This is the second post in a 2-part series. If you missed it, catch Dear Child Athletes HERE!

Dear Parents (of Child Athletes),

First, you won’t a more enthusiastic parent in the stands than myself!  I’m the biggest cheerleader there is for my boys and am not afraid of who sees or hears, so before you start thinking that I’m one of those parents who sits on their hands and is silent (ironically, that is T), think again!

These Are Kids – I know that you think you’re setting your kid up for the future, but remember…right now they are kids.  Let them be kids!  Let them have fun and play their sports.  Let them run and get dirty, let them play with their friends…don’t fill their schedules with endless teams and practices.  Make sure they have time to just be kids!!  Be positive and upbeat.  You can provide criticism and coaching and still be positive!  Don’t kill your kids’ spirits!  Remember, they are JUST wpid-1430873347595.jpgKIDS!

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Lessons In Parenting!

— Katy Flint2 Comments

In our house, it’s 2 boys, 2 parents and we lead one life (oh, we must not forget Ms. Nike our beloved pup). Yes, they also have a life with their mom at her house, but we lead one pretty cool life in our house. I wouldn’t say that I’m a professional parent and I always have learning to do, but I feel pretty good about the strides that I’ve come in the last 5 years! Yes, I’ve officially been in the boys’ life for over 5 years now! The time has gone so fast!  Every day I’m amazed at how fast they are growing and maturing.

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Dispelling Some Blended Family Myths

— Katy Flint2 Comments

I’m very excited and honored to have a guest post today by The Blended Family Mom!  As a fellow step-mom she understands some of the hard parts of being wife #2 and a step-mom, but also focuses on the positives and making the situation better instead of focusing on the negative and the drama! I love this post and even if you aren’t a part of a blended family, I believe that every married person and parent can find a couple of takeaways from it!  Enjoy!

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I finally met the man of my dreams … this new marriage will be wonderful!
His kids are great … it won’t be a problem to step in and be a step parent!!
Parenting stepchildren is no different from parenting my own kids.

Did you ever make any of these statements, or think any of these thoughts? Did you find them to be totally true in your new blended family?  When I met my husband, Dan, he was pretty much everything that I wanted in a man and in my next marriage. Yes, I am an open and affectionate woman – any kid would love me; after all, I was a first-grade teacher! And parenting another man’s children … no problem!

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One of Those Days

— Katy Flint2 Comments

Before I begin, I want to thank everyone who commented on any of my posts in December!  We were able to raise $26.00 for the Rossi House!  The exciting part is that this is almost double what I donated last month!  Thank you all for having great hearts!

I met my mom for a walk this other day. As I met her, I said, “Please tell me that you had days when I was little that you thought…it’s only 11AM, it’s not too late to start drinking!” Oh boy did she laugh at me! (And then she proceeded to tell me that she didn’t think of drinking, but of finding someone to pawn me off on!  Comforting and yet disturbing all at once!)

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