Active Parenting for Stepfamilies

by Michael H. Popkin, PhD,
and Elizabeth Einstein, MA, LMFT

a new video-based program to help parents and stepparents build a powerful parenting team, strengthen your marriage, and guide children through the transition to a new family—
in just six classes!

Getting married is the easy part! When a stepfamily is formed, everyone needs to learn new rules: Mom and Dad need to learn how to work together as a team. Children and teens must adapt to changes. Everyone needs to build good relationships with new family members. Active Parenting for Stepfamilies is here to help!

Video, discussion, and activities make for a fast-paced workshop
Active Parenting for Stepfamilies uses entertaining video scenes to demonstrate common stepfamily challenges and solutions. Each workshop allows plenty of time for group discussion and activities.

• Session I: Stepfamily Living - A Different Parenting Challenge
  – Emotional baggage
  – Coping with loss
  – Realistic expectations
  – Styles of parenting
  – Relationship-building skills
• Session II: Communication and Problem-Solving
  – Roles of stepparents
  – Effective communication
  – A model for handling problems
• Session III: Loyalties and Values
  – Merging different values and cultures
  – Establishing limits (of space, time, authority, money)
  – Understanding triangles/loyalty conflicts

• Session IV: The Challenge of Discipline
  – Effective, nonviolent discipline
  – Logical consequences
  – Stepfamily considerations
  – Kids who live in two households
• Session V: From Power Struggles and Anger to Courage and Self-Esteem
  – The “FLAC” method of defusing power struggles
  – Building courage and self-esteem
  – Understanding children's anger
  – Nurturing by encouragement
• Session VI: Celebrating Stepfamily Successes
  – Making a conscious commitment
  – Celebrating your achievements
  – Maintaining stepfamily success
  – Protecting children from risks