Are you the outcast in your stepfamily? Dating and marriage is a process that is complicated enough on it’s own, never mind coming into a family that has already been established. Marrying someone with children from a previous relationship can be a delicate mind field that requires a certain finesse to master.

Certified Master Stepfamily Coach, Claudette Chenevert, found herself in a similar situation over twenty years ago when she, a single mom to a 6 year old boy, married her husband. She became a stepmom to two girls. After several years worth of failures and successes Claudette was able to determine what steps needed to be taken to successfully integrate oneself into an established family and make it function on its own. From the constant presence of an ex to taking on a parenting role over night, Claudette knows how to handle it all. To find out more about Claudette or her approach, you can visit her Stepmom Coach website.

No matter how many “Happy Holidays” wishes you receive, the season can be just as stressful as it is enjoyable, and that stress can be even greater if you’re part of a blended family. Does shuffling the kids from one home to another feel too disruptive? Does it seem impossible to meet everyone’s vision of that perfect Christmas morning?

Barbara Keyworth returns to the show to talk about the issues stepfamilies face when it comes to the holidays, and to share tips on relieving some of that stress and making the season a happy one for all. Barbara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a practice in Raleigh and 23 years of experience. Her website is BKeyworth.com, where you can find out more about her counseling services and qualifications, and you can call her office at 919.783.8004 for an appointment.

If you’re a part of a blended family, you know how complicated things can be, especially when you’re starting out. Are you having trouble relating to your new stepchildren? Do you just not feel as much like a family as you expected? Barbara Keyworth joins us to discuss the things that can cause tension in a newly blended family, and shares tips for making the transition a smooth one.

Barbara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a practice in Raleigh and 23 years of experience. Her website is BKeyworth.com, where you can find out more about her counseling services and qualifications, and you can call her office at 919.783.8004 for an appointment.

Is your new spouse’s ex more of a presence in your life than you expected? Are you finding it hard to deal with? Dr. Molly Parks joins us to discuss the critical issues you need to address when dealing with your partner’s ex so you can keep the harmony in your new family.

Molly has over a decade of experience helping both adults and children deal with emotionally challenging issues ranging from social isolation and relationship issues to PTSD and trauma victims. She practices with Lepage Associates in Durham. You can schedule an appointment by calling 919.572.0000, or by visiting LepageAssociates.com.

Having a great marriage is tough work. In second marriages, factors like ex-spouses, step children, and fears and insecurities from the last marriage make things even more difficult. Are you afraid your current marriage will end up like your last one?

Tim Lewis joins us to discuss the unique pitfalls of remarriages and what steps you can take today to make sure that this marriage makes it, whether It’s your first or fifth.

Tim is a Marriage Coach and a certified Prepare-Enrich Seminar Director & Counselor with a private practice in Huntersville, NC. Tim and his wife Christina operate The Redesign Company, which combines marriage coaching and home design. You can find out more about Tim and The Redesign Company on their website, LoveComingHome.com, by visiting their Facebook page, or by calling 704.604.2687.