Class provides "trail map" for step-parents

August 27, 9:03 AMColorado Springs Step Parenting ExaminerPhyllis Hammond

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Stephanie Bryan (courtesy photo) 

Just as hikers are guided by a trail map, a good class can help guide parents and step-parents to know where to tread.

Boulder therapist and parenting coach Stephanie Bryan is offering a fall class based on the book, "Active Parenting for Stepfamilies," by Michael H. Popkin and Elizabeth Einstein.

Bryan said the course teaches parenting skills, emphasizing the role of the step-parent in developing the step-parent role and focusing on the relationship.

"The class shows both the wrong way and the right way of handling the situation," Bryan said.

Both Bryan and Einstein draw on their own experiences in teaching others the highlights and pitfalls of step-parenting.

Einstein grew up a stepchild and then as an adult, raised two sets of stepchildren.

Einstein said there's one thing she really wants people living in step-families to know. 

 

"It's a simple thing - but it's not," Einstein said. "It's that living in a step-family is really challenging at first, as you make the adjustments and complete your grief work."

Bryan said part of her motive for learning the "Active Parenting for Stepfamilies" method was her feelings about how she herself did in that role.

"I didn't do a very good job as a stepmom," Bryan said.

But if she'd known then what she knows now - and teaches others - she likely would be able to feel differently.

Einstein said although the "Active Parenting for Stepfamilies" class is good for anyone in a step-marriage to take, it's a really great idea for people still considering marriage as well.

"One of the best investments if you're considering marriage is to take a class like the one Stephanie is offering," Einstein said. 

Elizabeth Einstein (courtesy photo) 

Class schedule is 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 29 - Nov. 17, 2009. (No class Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.) Cost is $145 per person - $20 of which covers materials.

The class will meet at Dreamcatcher Direct Instruction Center, 5440 Conestoga Ct., Boulder.

Registration forms can be downloaded from Bryan's Web site.