Several subscribers sent me an email- letting me know that my Blended Family advice email address will not allow attachments- can you imagine? Well, some of you have been trying to submit your entries to the Summer Giveaway (I've been wondering where you were???) and now I find out your mail is being "returned to sender!!"
I sincerely apologize! I have changed the submission email to sdudley4@carolina.rr.com
This email DOES accept your poems and photo attachments.
We will continue the prizes throughout the month of June (including the first winners today- since I can't count, and assumed that the first of June was today, instead of tomorrow.)
First week's winners are:
Sherry W of North Carolina- for her beautiful blended family poem. Sherry chose Allegra Huston's book Love Child. Allegra is autographing the book and sending it directly to her, this week- how exciting.
Sandy K. of Ohio- for her tender poem about families. Sandy chose the Watch Me Learn, DVD's by David Palo. These DVD's are teaching videos for autistic, pdd and developmentally delayed children- by Dave Palo. Thank you, Dave, for donating these very helpful DVD's.
The Summer Giveaway continues- next drawing is Sunday, June 7th!
www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com/SummerGiveaway
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Lots of Prizes to give away!!
The Blended Family Advice Summer Giveaway has grown faster than I can put the prizes on the website! We have people from all of the United States donating their books, DVD's, hour of coaching, and other great stuff to our blended family subcribers. Don't miss out- first drawing is tomorrow, Sunday, June 1st. It's amazing how many prizes we are offering. Go to www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com/SummerGiveaway for the details on how to enter.
I laugh out loud as I read Izzy Rose's, "The Package Deal"- her (no-so) Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom. Her book is quite funny and very realistic for new step moms.
Johnny Tan's "From My Mamma's Kitchen" is a heartwarming tribute to his 9 moms. "A dash of this, a smidgen of that, and a pinch of mother love from my 9 moms."
We also have donations of an hour of parent coaching, a book on ADHD, a set of DVD's for autistic and developmentally delayed children, a set of DVD's on teaching your preschool sign language and more- I will name more of these items, in detail, each day in June as we continue our Summer Giveaway.
Sign up today! First drawing (and your pick of the prizes) is tomorrow.
I'll finish putting the rest of the prizes on the website this afternoon.
Good luck to everyone! Tell your blended friends- this is a great opportunity to win free stuff!!
Shirley Cress Dudley
I laugh out loud as I read Izzy Rose's, "The Package Deal"- her (no-so) Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom. Her book is quite funny and very realistic for new step moms.
Johnny Tan's "From My Mamma's Kitchen" is a heartwarming tribute to his 9 moms. "A dash of this, a smidgen of that, and a pinch of mother love from my 9 moms."
We also have donations of an hour of parent coaching, a book on ADHD, a set of DVD's for autistic and developmentally delayed children, a set of DVD's on teaching your preschool sign language and more- I will name more of these items, in detail, each day in June as we continue our Summer Giveaway.
Sign up today! First drawing (and your pick of the prizes) is tomorrow.
I'll finish putting the rest of the prizes on the website this afternoon.
Good luck to everyone! Tell your blended friends- this is a great opportunity to win free stuff!!
Shirley Cress Dudley
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Summer Giveaway at Blended Family Advice
We are having a Summer Giveaway at Blended Family Advice. Free books will be given away every Sunday in June (beginning next Sunday!)
To be eligible:
Step One- subscribe to Blended Family Advice newsletter
Step Two: Submit a poem, photo, or video about your blended family
For more details, check out the Blended Family Website Summer Giveaway page.
To be eligible:
Step One- subscribe to Blended Family Advice newsletter
Step Two: Submit a poem, photo, or video about your blended family
For more details, check out the Blended Family Website Summer Giveaway page.
Radio Interview with Shirley Cress Dudley
Radio interview with Shirley Cress Dudley is now available. Here's the link:
Interview by Johnny Tan, of Blog Talk Radio, and author of From My Mamma's Kitchen.
Interview by Johnny Tan, of Blog Talk Radio, and author of From My Mamma's Kitchen.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Johnny Tan's Talk Radio
I'll be the guest on Johnny Tan's Talk Radio tomorrow, 11am EST (Tuesday, May 26th.) Topic is Blended Families and Step Families.
Call in and ask questions, so you won't have to hear me talk for an entire hour :) www.fmmktalkradio.com
Call in and ask questions, so you won't have to hear me talk for an entire hour :) www.fmmktalkradio.com
Happy Memorial Day to you and your blended family
Happy Memorial Day! Any holiday is a great time to celebrate having a blended family. Make sure your family participates in as many holidays as you can.
Ideas for today:
-Grill out, as a family. Everyone helps prepare the meal
-Make a special dessert: red/white/blue- strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, on angel food cake
-Have all ages help get your special meal ready.
-This afternoon: go on a walk, or a trip to the park
-Tonight: Rent a movie and watch it as a family
Celebrate your unique family and enjoy today's holiday!
For more ideas, check out Blended Family Holidays
Ideas for today:
-Grill out, as a family. Everyone helps prepare the meal
-Make a special dessert: red/white/blue- strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, on angel food cake
-Have all ages help get your special meal ready.
-This afternoon: go on a walk, or a trip to the park
-Tonight: Rent a movie and watch it as a family
Celebrate your unique family and enjoy today's holiday!
For more ideas, check out Blended Family Holidays
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Color Code Your Blended Family World!
We have five kids in 3 schools. Next fall- it will be 4 different schools. Each week is a challenge to make sure we don't forget an important event in our large, complicated blended family. So- we color code the calendar.
Yearly Scheduling
We purchased a large wall calender and use a different color marker for each child. At the beginning of the school year, we mark each child's school/exam/special events/holidays and other time off- on the calendar. Sometimes the calendar looks more colorful than a coloring book! Summertime and holidays are the most exciting to follow.
Weekly Scheduling
Then, we print a weekly calendar. You can create it on Microsoft Publisher, print it off Outlook, or use many of the other programs available on the Internet. The weekly calendar will print off the events from the yearly calendar and also add detailed information, and additional events. I enjoy putting clipart, photos and various colors on the calendar. This draws the kids attention and encourages their participation in adding events to the calendar.
Weekly Meal Planning and Shopping Guide
We also plan our weekly meals on this calendar. The kids are responsible for telling us if they will be missing a meal (due to their heavy teenage extracurricular activities) and we may switch around an entree or two, if there aren't many kids present at dinner. We also have a couple of frozen "ready made" meals on hand, just in case all the kids are out for the evening, and it's just the two of us. (Although we have been known to sneak out for a quick dinner and a movie!)
We keep a pad on the side of the refrigerator. One side is for the grocery store, the other side is for Wal-Mart. Anyone in the family can add items they need to this list. If someone needs something in the middle of the week, they put it on the list, and it will be purchased the next weekly trip.
Try it out! Color code your world and you'll discover:
Yearly Scheduling
We purchased a large wall calender and use a different color marker for each child. At the beginning of the school year, we mark each child's school/exam/special events/holidays and other time off- on the calendar. Sometimes the calendar looks more colorful than a coloring book! Summertime and holidays are the most exciting to follow.
Weekly Scheduling
Then, we print a weekly calendar. You can create it on Microsoft Publisher, print it off Outlook, or use many of the other programs available on the Internet. The weekly calendar will print off the events from the yearly calendar and also add detailed information, and additional events. I enjoy putting clipart, photos and various colors on the calendar. This draws the kids attention and encourages their participation in adding events to the calendar.
Weekly Meal Planning and Shopping Guide
We also plan our weekly meals on this calendar. The kids are responsible for telling us if they will be missing a meal (due to their heavy teenage extracurricular activities) and we may switch around an entree or two, if there aren't many kids present at dinner. We also have a couple of frozen "ready made" meals on hand, just in case all the kids are out for the evening, and it's just the two of us. (Although we have been known to sneak out for a quick dinner and a movie!)
We keep a pad on the side of the refrigerator. One side is for the grocery store, the other side is for Wal-Mart. Anyone in the family can add items they need to this list. If someone needs something in the middle of the week, they put it on the list, and it will be purchased the next weekly trip.
Try it out! Color code your world and you'll discover:
- You won't miss any important events
- Your biological and step kids feel special because their events are listed on the calendar
- You don't make 2-3 trips to the grocery store, each week, because you haven't planned out the week
For other tips and advice, check out our website, http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com/
Shirley
Friday, May 8, 2009
Allegra Huston's new book
Last night I (Shirley Cress Dudley) met Allegra Huston, and listened to her read excerpts of her new book, Love Child. Allegra speaks from her heart, about her mother's death, being passed around to family members- including sister Anjelica Huston and her boyfriend Jack Nicholson, and also nonfamily members.
Her stories of her convoluted blended family is both heart warming, intriguing, sad and also exciting.
Catch her when she visits your city, or pick up a copy of her book at your local bookstore.
Shirley Cress Dudley
http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com/
Her stories of her convoluted blended family is both heart warming, intriguing, sad and also exciting.
Catch her when she visits your city, or pick up a copy of her book at your local bookstore.
Shirley Cress Dudley
http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com/
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Begin each day positively
Begin each day and remember what you are thankful for- Your health? Your family? Is it a clear, cloudless day? Your Blended family is at peace today? Take a few moments and breath a few deep breaths.
You'll find that your day will begin on a more positive note, and people will respond to your more positively.
What are you thankful for today?
You'll find that your day will begin on a more positive note, and people will respond to your more positively.
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Want your dream wedding for free?
A TV Casting producer, from DreamWorks TV show, "Wedding Day" is looking for a deserving couple who are engaged, who will be blending families. This is a feel good show with only wish fulfillment intentions, and she wants to focus on blended families for a particular show in June.
Here's a promo:
http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?oid=47477
This show makes the wedding preparation a family and friend affair, asking that they all participate in helping create a dream wedding for the couple.
If you are interested, contact Roberta Christensen, 310.903.5574 or
weddingdaycasting@gmail.com
Good Luck!
Shirley Cress Dudley
www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
Here's a promo:
http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?oid=47477
This show makes the wedding preparation a family and friend affair, asking that they all participate in helping create a dream wedding for the couple.
If you are interested, contact Roberta Christensen, 310.903.5574 or
weddingdaycasting@gmail.com
Good Luck!
Shirley Cress Dudley
www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Question from stepmom
You made several great points:
-It's tough for the boys to transition back and forth between the houses. It's good to remember this and allow for the transition time. Sometimes even the little ones come back and call Mom "Dad" (or the other way around) for the first few hours. Just ignore the error and answer when a parental name is called.
-House rules are essential. Dad and new Mom need to decide on what's important to them, regarding house rules, and develop their expectations and guidelines. The boys need to be informed of these rules, and also the consequences of ignoring them. Dad and new Mom need to be seen as a united parental unit, when the boys arrive.
Also, kids- no matter how young, can sense the real motivation of adults. The parents need to do what's right- love the boys, spend time with them, but also be clear on their expectations of behavior. The boys will fight back, but deep inside kids respect, need and even crave boundaries and guidelines.
The Dad needs to take the lead in the discipline, even though the rules are developed by both parents in the home.
Hope that helps. For more information, check out www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
Shirley Cress Dudley
-It's tough for the boys to transition back and forth between the houses. It's good to remember this and allow for the transition time. Sometimes even the little ones come back and call Mom "Dad" (or the other way around) for the first few hours. Just ignore the error and answer when a parental name is called.
-House rules are essential. Dad and new Mom need to decide on what's important to them, regarding house rules, and develop their expectations and guidelines. The boys need to be informed of these rules, and also the consequences of ignoring them. Dad and new Mom need to be seen as a united parental unit, when the boys arrive.
Also, kids- no matter how young, can sense the real motivation of adults. The parents need to do what's right- love the boys, spend time with them, but also be clear on their expectations of behavior. The boys will fight back, but deep inside kids respect, need and even crave boundaries and guidelines.
The Dad needs to take the lead in the discipline, even though the rules are developed by both parents in the home.
Hope that helps. For more information, check out www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
Shirley Cress Dudley
Monday, May 4, 2009
Planning a Successful Summer for your Child
Are you ready for the summer? Have you and your spouse planned the visitation weekends and communicated to the various other families?
It can become very complicated if you have remarried, and your new spouse's ex has remarried, and your ex-spouse has remarried...did you follow all that? You will be communicating with a possible total of 5 families!
Tips for a successful summer:
-plan ahead
-communicate clearly your expectations
-be flexible and willing to change a couple of weekends to accomodate the majority
-don't take changes personally
Remember- you are doing what's best for the kids to have an organized summer, and one that your children can spend time with both parents.
Shirley Cress Dudley
www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
It can become very complicated if you have remarried, and your new spouse's ex has remarried, and your ex-spouse has remarried...did you follow all that? You will be communicating with a possible total of 5 families!
Tips for a successful summer:
-plan ahead
-communicate clearly your expectations
-be flexible and willing to change a couple of weekends to accomodate the majority
-don't take changes personally
Remember- you are doing what's best for the kids to have an organized summer, and one that your children can spend time with both parents.
Shirley Cress Dudley
www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Remember your mom and step mom next Sunday
I know it's hard, but it's important for you and your kids to remember biological moms and step moms on Mother's Day. It is very important to the growing relationship between the children and their stepmother. By honoring your stepmother, you are not dishonoring your real mother. It shows respect for the woman who is helping to parent your child when he/she is not around you.
It doesn't have to be anything mushy or over the top- just a card, and maybe some garden-picked flowers, or a small bouquet from the grocery store. It's not the amount of money spent- but the thought that counts.
Help guide your children to do something thoughtful this Sunday for their Step mom.
Other ideas:
Make dinner, clean up the house, make a hand written card (or have the younger ones draw a picture for their step mom.)
It's a tough job being a stepmom- and usually doesn't receive much gratitude from others. Don't forget sunday is Mother's day- for all the mothers- including the step moms!
Shirley at www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
It doesn't have to be anything mushy or over the top- just a card, and maybe some garden-picked flowers, or a small bouquet from the grocery store. It's not the amount of money spent- but the thought that counts.
Help guide your children to do something thoughtful this Sunday for their Step mom.
Other ideas:
Make dinner, clean up the house, make a hand written card (or have the younger ones draw a picture for their step mom.)
It's a tough job being a stepmom- and usually doesn't receive much gratitude from others. Don't forget sunday is Mother's day- for all the mothers- including the step moms!
Shirley at www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com
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