FRANKLIN, TN – Becoming a stepmother does not come with a how-to guide or even a 12-step program. The Stepmom Connection is working to change that by bringing together authors, speakers and mentors in Franklin, Tenn., July 20th to celebrate and discuss the complicated world of being a mother in a blended family.
“Being a stepmom is a unique experience,” said Tammy Daughtry, author of “Co-Parenting Works!” and founder of the Center for Modern Family Dynamics in Nashville. “The Stepmom Connection event is an effort to come together to celebrate and unpack the unique challenges and blessings of being a stepmom.”
Daughtry, who is a stepmother herself and grew up with a stepmother, will be joined by Moody Radio broadcast personality Dawn Rae; authors Carol Boley, Samara Ashley, Diane Ingram Fromme, Gayla Grace, Sue McGray, and Rachel Scott; The Fish radio host Caryn Cruise; Learning2Step.com founder and professor Heather Hetchler; marriage strategist and author Yolanda Harris-Jackson; and ministry leaders Sara Kate Hooper, Kim Beihl and Deanna Kaech. Gil and Brenda Stuart, founders of Restored and Remarried, will speak about the couple issues involved in step-parenting.
The event will shine a spotlight on often undiscussed topics such as dealing with an ex-spouse, step parenting children whose parent has died as well as issues around marriage, siblings, managing expectations and more. It will also introduce stepmothers to resources such as the “One Heart, Two Homes” curriculum and helpful guides such as the “Top 10 Things Kids Wish They Could Say to Their Divorced Parents.”
“When I remarried after my divorce and became a stepmother, I was looking for guidance and advice but could not find much,” said Daughtry, who is a marriage and family therapist. “I don’t want other women to feel that way.”
The event begins at 9 a.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.) at The Grove in Franklin on Saturday, July 20, and includes an option Friday night “Get-to-know-you” dinner and a Saturday night out in Nashville. Registration is at stepmomconnection.com/registration.
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