Resources

In my search for help and answers I have come across a few things that have been life savers to my family and I. Often I find myself with a sad heart and a burning question. What do I do?
First I pray, and then to be quite frank and honest.... I Google it! ;-)

These are a few things that my kind and true friend "Google" has come up with: ;-)

1. http://www.bonusfamilies.com/

This website is a positive help center for blended families. I love it. The founders Jann and Sheryl are experts in the field. And I mean EXPERT! Here is a snippet from their website that explains exactly why..

"Bonus Families®, as an organization was founded in 1999, but the ground work was laid years before. The founders, Jann Blackstone-Ford, PsyD., a divorce and stepfamily mediator, and Sharyl Jupe, had weathered the ups and downs of co-parenting children after divorce for ten years before they felt qualified to form an organization to help others. How did these two women meet? Sharyl is Jann's husband's ex-wife.

Jann and Sharyl did not get along at first. It took years of butting heads before they realized they could actually work together. This effort evolved into what is now known as Bonus Families®. The goal of the Bonus Families® organization is to offer mediation, conflict management, support, and education to people attempting to combine families after a divorce or separation. It combines Jann and Sharyl's practical experience with the expertise of professionals to offer down-to-earth real advice that works."

This is not an LDS specific site, but I have found so many articles here that have helped me to cope and come out ahead in many difficult situations. I love that they refer to Step Families as "BONUS" families.  What a fun and positive way to refer to the people you love!

2. http://www.ldsdivorcesupport.org/Blended-Families.html

This site has also been very beneficial to me in my constant search for answers. There are so many resources here.

In particular, I found an article that has been a life saver for the Dads I know who are the "non-custodial" parent. Dads are often overlooked; their suffering is ignored.
A majority of divorces are not the choice of the husband. When divorce rears its head, these Dads feel completely stripped of the things that are most important to them.
Often the things that happen are completely out of their control. 

If you are that Dad, I want you to know that people are noticing.  

Please take the time to read this article. I think that it is comforting to know you are not alone. Millions of Dads are going through the same thing and there is a way to make a difference in your children's lives.  

It's comfort and it's rooted in the gospel.

Here is a link to that specific article:

http://www.ldsdivorcesupport.org/Dads-of-Divorce.html

3.

This book is a treasure of ideas, solutions and insight. It also helps to explain how a child in a blended family feels. It is worth the money and worth your time.
You can find this book on Amazon by following this link:

 http://www.amazon.com/Stepcoupling-Creating-Sustaining-Marriage-Blended/dp/0609807412/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347909638&sr=1-1&keywords=blended+families

4.

This is another fabulous book. It helps Stepmothers to cope and better understand what children and spouse are going through. It's comprehensive and practical. It is definitely a "must read."
You can also find this book by following this link to Amazon:

  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Him-His-Kids-Stepmothers/dp/159869894X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347909983&sr=1-5&keywords=blended+families

5. Friends and Family

Another great way I have found support and learning is through my friends and family. Their life experience and love is an irreplaceable treasure. 

I appreciate the support that I have been given from these very loved people.

6. Daily Affirmations

Have you ever heard or seen a quote somewhere and it got you through the day?

I have.

I know someone who sends her best friend a positive quote or thought everyday.

To me, it is very important to stay positive even when times are especially hard. I would challenge anyone in any situation to find a thought or a quote each day. Think about and ponder its meaning. How can you use it to make yourself a better, happier, person?

Here are a few that I have seen or have been sent to me by people I love:

 

 Do you see what I mean? Don't be afraid to seek out the positive. Immerse yourself in meaningful and uplifting reading material. Find something inspirational each day to think about.

7. Prayer