5 Mindsets to Embrace for the Holidays

Blended family, Family and Kids

Post written by Blended Family columnist Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects. Last year, my sister-in-law lamented that her kids had seemed on edge the month of December. I pondered her observation and agreed: My kids had seemed more stressed than usual....

Focus on the Positive with a Kindness Jar

Blended family

Post written by Blended Family columnist Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects. As parents, we’ve been told to focus on the positive. Yet there are some days as a step-mom when I feel this practice is an illusion. Instead of smiles, I’m met with bad...

Your Ideal Blended Family: How to Stay Realistic

Blended family

Post written by Blended Family columnist Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects. Nine years ago, I never expected to fall in love with a man with kids. That’s why I told my friend, “I couldn’t date him. He has kids.” I was young and free,...

10 Communication Tips for Blended Families

Blended family

Post written by Blended Family columnist Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects. We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. -Epictetus Good communication is a challenge for every family. For those dealing with blended family...

Advice for New Step Moms

Blended family

Post written by Blended Family columnist Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects. I definitely didn’t know what I was signing up for when I married Mr. Right. I thought I was more than ready to become step mom to his two children. I already liked them, and...