by Nancy | Jun 20, 2018 | Communication Skills, Conflict, Problem Solving, Stepfamilies, stepfamily strategies
Reason #1: THE STEP-CHILD You did not conceive, give birth to or delight in the birth of this child. You did not nurse him or walk with him when he had colic. You did not see her first smile or gaze with wonder into her eyes. You didn’t rejoice when he turned...
by Nancy | Mar 8, 2018 | Conflict, Problem Solving, Stepfamilies, stepfamily strategies
Jeremy and Lisa are former coaching clients. The stresses of stepfamily living had brought out the worst in their communication methods. They diligently learned and practiced better communication and conflict management skills. In addition, over time, they adopted...
by Nancy | Feb 27, 2018 | Commitment, Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving, Respectful Behaviors, Uncategorized
When my marriage to my late husband Jim was in jeopardy, at some level I knew that my sarcastic put-downs and yelling were not helping resolve our conflict. But it wasn’t until a great coach began to teach us some basic communication and anger management skills that...
by Nancy | Feb 20, 2018 | Commitment, Conflict, Problem Solving, Stepfamilies, stepfamily strategies
I’d like to ask Frank Sinatra, who’s crooning voice made this lyric popular, “Then why is the divorce rate much higher for second and subsequent marriages?” Our culture is still trapped in the unrealistic assumption that stepfamilies are no different than a first...
by Nancy | Jan 9, 2018 | Commitment, Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving, Uncategorized
Rather than seeing conflict as part of growing the relationship, we tend to blame the person with whom we’re in conflict. “If he wouldn’t _____, then I wouldn’t ______. If she would just _____, then we’d be happy.” Blame, not conflict, is relationship cancer. ...
by Nancy | Dec 5, 2017 | Conflict, Habit Change, Problem Solving
Remember the opening lines of Fiddler on the Roof? Tevya singing, “TRADITION! TRADITION!” Traditions serve such a valuable service to our cultures and our families. They provide something to depend on when other things in life may be shaky. The repetition of them...
