How to be supportive of stepchildren during a divorce

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How to be supportive of stepchildren during a divorce

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Some of the ways step mothers could be supportive of their step children during the divorce or separation is basically just staying open, I think, maybe overlooking that discomfort that you definitely feel in the beginning of the separation. And for me, it was important for me to let my three step children know that I was always open if they ever needed to talk and I know that the time is difficult but I am available in here in present if they need me. I didn’t call them a lot, I just kind of stayed open. Whenever they did call me and said they wanted to come over and see their brother and sister was open to that and welcomed them. We did invite them to some events that we had, maybe going to the raspberry farm or something like that and if they wanted to join us they came. But just staying open and available. They needed help with anything, I made myself available to assist them, but without being forceful.

See Maria Elena Cruz's video on How to be supportive of stepchildren during a divorce...

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Maria Elena Cruz

Mom & Art Curator

Maria Elena Cruz is an active artist and curator, and the mother of two children, aged five and seven. She has taught art for 15 years, and believes that art can help children’s development and ease them through difficult times of transition – something she has experience with firsthand. During the day she teaches at Optimist High and in the evening she teaches watercolor, mixed media art, and figure drawing at UCLA. Maria also directs a project called, “The Pulse,” where she invites the community to paint to the rhythm of drums. Maria also recently began a nonprofit, Dial Art that serves communities in multiple ways through art. Her children are happily involved in most of her art programs. Her son, Clarence, age seven, has been learning to play the trumpet for two years and is involved with the science academy. Her daughter, Amara, age five, is involved with gymnastics and the science academy.

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Transcription: 
Some of the ways step mothers could be supportive of their step children during the divorce or separation is basically just staying open, I think, maybe overlooking that discomfort that you definitely feel in the beginning of the separation. And for me, it was important for me to let my three step children know that I was always open if they ever needed to talk and I know that the time is difficult but I am available in here in present if they need me. I didn’t call them a lot, I just kind of stayed open. Whenever they did call me and said they wanted to come over and see their brother and sister was open to that and welcomed them. We did invite them to some events that we had, maybe going to the raspberry farm or something like that and if they wanted to join us they came. But just staying open and available. They needed help with anything, I made myself available to assist them, but without being forceful.