Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Play In this episode of I Know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall, I am sharing my very own stepmom affirmations. I know how weird stepmom life can feel and sometimes you need a quick reminder of how strong you really are. If you are mothering another […]
Originally published by Richard Paul Evans My oldest daughter, Jenna, recently said to me, “My greatest fear as a child was that you and mom would get divorced. Then, when I was twelve, I decided that you fought so much that maybe it would be better if you did.” Then she added with a smile. […]
Marriage is serious business. But with the divorce rate at 50%, it’s smart to do your research before leaping into a situation that was doomed from the start. We all ask surface questions, but here are a few that go deeper. There are a few helpful links below: ➡️10 Questions to Ask: www.blendedandblack.com/10-questions-love/ ➡️For more […]
Short answer: No. Do not let your boyfriend claim your child that is not his for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Long answer: Noooooooooooooo! Sorry about the bad joke. But really, no he can’t and here’s why: First, and most importantly, it’s against the law. Seriously – claiming a child that you don’t have a […]
Alma’s speech became stilted, and her eyes brimmed with tears as she shared the moment she knew her marriage was over. It was not a matter of infidelity, immorality, or a lack of love that ended her marriage of three years. In fact, she and her husband deeply loved each other—but his manic episodes had […]
When I came across this clip, I immediately thought of every woman I know! I thought about the countless times I’ve had to either seek counsel or give counsel because some boy caused pain. I wrote this article with our girlfriends and sisters in mind! We have all had those moments when we’ve wanted to […]
The most unfortunate time in a relationship is when you realize it has reached its climax. The best times have passed and it’s all downhill from here. Many of us will fight tooth and nail to salvage love, but sadly when our efforts are in vain we must begin the process of learning to live […]
Back in the good old days when all we had were pagers — scratch that, let’s go even further. Back in the good old days when all we had were answering machines and a mailbox, breaking up was much easier to do. All you had to do was stop sending mail and calling each other. […]
You may think, at first pass, that co-parenting with your child’s stepmother is unreasonable. If you think about it, we get to know our children’s teachers, doctors, daycare providers, their friend’s and their parents, and anyone else involved with our children. Why wouldn’t you want to get to know the other mother in your child’s […]
When I coach women that have experienced infidelity, there are many variables to each individual circumstance; however, there is a glaring commonality among every woman. After they have gone through the process of grieving their mate’s indiscretion, some begin their personal journey towards forgiving their mate. They vow to put the past in the past […]
I said I would never divorce. I am the child of divorced parents, and I had no intentions of putting my children through that experience. “Life,” however, had other plans and I find myself in the midst of separation. This set of circumstances forces me to examine my past experience in hopes to prepare both […]
Separation from your lifetime partner can be a heart wrenching affair. It is a death that we do not always prepare for and often don’t expect. Most of us see hard times and arguments and are aware of the work it takes to hold a marriage together, but what do you do when it falls […]
THE GOOD WIFE Who’s helping You, when his Ex is a Borderline? Whether it’s your husband or lover who has gotten involved with a borderline disordered female, you’re in for some harrowing times. This issue becomes a monumentally stressful exercise for both of you–but sadly, you’ll generally end up feeling the brunt of it, not […]
Are you a biological parent that is about to become a stepparent? Perhaps you are a step parent that is about to become a new biological parent. Be forewarned, you and your family are about to undergo some serious changes. You can expect some discomfort and frustration, however it’s not all bad. In fact, the […]
Long-term relationships have a tendency to get dull in the intimacy department. When the monotony of life sets in and the initial honeymoon phase begins to fade, it’s easy for couples to fall into the groove of sexual boredom. Here are some conventional and NOT SO conventional ways to shake things up in your relationship […]
Most mothers reflect fondly upon the day their children were born as one that tested her strength, her faith, her pain tolerance and her undying love for a child she’d never met. The birth bond is so strong that every mother could probably recount everything leading up to the moment her child was born. When […]
There is no typical day in my Coaching practice. Some days I may be sitting with a 10-year-old that is unable to accept her parents’ divorce. Other days, I am sitting with a grandmother who is unwilling to acknowledge her sons new wife’s children (her step-grandchildren). One of the core principles of Blended and Black […]
As second wives, it’s not uncommon to feel the brunt of the grief from the breakdown of your Husband’s first family. The children may still be unable to accept their parents’ separation, the ex-wife may still be full of resent and the father may have a lot of guilt because he is now displaced from […]
I’m so excited to share that Blended & Black has been nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award by KandyAppleMama! The Sunshine Blogger Award is given from bloggers to other bloggers who are creative, positive and inspiring. Once nominated, the blogger is required to write a post where they: Thank the blogger who nominated them and link […]
Why Men Marry Some Women And Not Others was written by John T. Molloy , the author of “Dress for Success”. This book is based on over 3,000 interviews conducted by Molloy and his researchers. They interviewed couples coming out of marriage license bureaus! They basically bum rushed these people for information. I recall how excited, anxious, nervous my Husband and I were […]
Happy 40th Anniversary to my parents, Nate and Nancy! I asked my Mom how she kept her marriage spicy for 40 years. She told me the normal cliches like, never go to bed angry and keep God 1st. But then She said some real insider info! 1. Be Creative She explained that there were many […]
I know a few parents that have #Alientated their kids against their coparent. Some have been unintentional occurrences of making back biting comments or expressing unnecessary feelings in front of the child. Others are more overt, like blocking phone calls, making demands beyond court orders, telling the kids their parent does not love them etc. […]