Online Stepfamily Group Predicts Peaceful Homes in 2006

Online Stepfamily Group Predicts Peaceful Homes in 2006

With over 1300 new stepfamilies forming every day, its important to know that peace is possible, if not probable, in the coming year. Thanks to growing outlets for real-time support available online, stepparents and their spouses can literally connect "when it works for them" with countless others who have "been there", to learn what works (and what doesn't)… and find peace in the process.

"This makes for strong co-parenting - and that's the goal.", says International Stepfamily Foundation President and Founder, Dr. Nicole L. Weyant. "We've built a real, working, 24-7 support group in living rooms and home offices across the globe, based on the very simple realization that time is the new "hot commodity" in the world of busy co-parents." says Dr. Weyant. "We're seeing ongoing successes for real people, living real lives, in real homes… all because we challenge our members to support each other, in conjunction with what we teach. We challenge them to use their time well, and for good."

The International Stepfamily Foundation was born from a need. Back in 1999, Nicole turned to the web in a desperate attempt to find some comfort and information, as she struggled to fill her then new "stepmom" shoes. "Sure… there were discussion board sites. But they were painfully specialized and "clique-y". I even belonged to a few who specifically stated that I could not share my experiences there with my husband. Now, how conducive to healing and growth is that? I needed help, and I needed study materials… and I needed it when it was convenient for me. Nothing like this existed… so my husband Paul and I created it." Since then, www.istepfamily.com has grown to welcome over 4,500 active online support group members.

"The bottom line is, within a month of joining and actively participating in our online support group, people are singing the praises of how we do things. A month… the proof is really in the pudding… I don't know of a single in-person support group that has that kind of turnaround." she says. Dr. Weyant attributes this to the availability factor. "Our support group meets when they need it, in their home, on their time. No driving to an office building downtown. No parking fees. No missed time from work, and for sure, no sitters…"

And it's not just about the "time thing", she's quick to point out. "Where else can you go to get an underlying level of sincere respect that is totally supported by long-time community moderators, unbiased and honest input from other people who may be in your nemesis' shoes, and still walk away feeling supported, educated, renewed and refreshed? There are a hundred other online support groups out there for second wives, divorced parents, what have you… but a whole community dedicated to getting over it, growing forward and getting on with peace in your life? That's iStep, and iStep only. This method was developed from years of listening and learning… and the community, as a whole, is very proud of it."

It's this kind of dedication to the "big picture" in online Stepfamily support that promises us the hope of peaceful homes and lives in 2006. "That's the goal." says Dr. Weyant. "When a co-parent or stepparent logs on and feels comfortable enough to vent their buns off in a safe setting, they do. When fellow members feel comfortable enough to offer words of encouragement, support or just a "sanity check", they do. Somehow, in the process, each member involved grows a little… they reconsider their own objectivity and fairness a little… they are stretched beyond their own comfort zone a little… and it works for them in a very real way. Especially when it counts… when they turn off the computer, and turn to their families. It just works."

For more information or to get involved with The International Stepfamily Foundation, call Nicole Weyant at 615-345-0414, email her at admin@istepfamily.com, or visit http://www.istepfamily.com.

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