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Claudette's Story
When I first met my husband's daughters, I was very happy to see them and was glad to see that they enjoyed being with my son who was the same age as they were. I never imagined though how difficult it could be to raise someone else's children, even if it was part-time. Our values and standards for our children were quite different at the time.
What probably saved our marriage was the fact that every Wednesday night was date night for my husband and me. No matter how tired we were, we went out, even if it was for coffee and a donut. The babysitter was reserved every Wednesday until further notice, so we had no excuse. The children even expected us to not be home on those nights. We would talk about the children, of course, but we also concentrated on us, as a couple.
Later, when our kids were becoming young teenagers, I found that we needed additional time together as a couple and therefore decided to have weekly meetings. These were scheduled meetings with an agenda. I needed to reach my husband at his level of understanding in order to make my concerns heard loud and clear. As long as we had a set time limit, he had no issues about what I had to say.
We showed our children that although we had some really difficult times together, we also learned to work them out as a team and as a family. The best gift I received was when my oldest stepdaughter thanked me for being her stepmom and doing the best I could. It is all so very worth it.
Beliefs and Philosophies
As we learn, grow and experience life, we all come to gather certain value systems, beliefs and philosophies that determines who we are. The following expresses a little of who I am and what I belive:
- I have a positive outlook on life.
- I always feel energized whenever I help others achieve their goals in life.
- Life is full of lessons for us to learn-until we acknowledge and understand them, we will keep repeating these same experiences until we have learned them.
- To build strong and loving families, we need to build strong, loving, and united couples.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. To admit we cannot do it all is the best gift we can give ourselves. It permits us to explore other areas of opportunities and also to be human.
Credentials & Background
- Bachelor of Individual Studies (BIS) in Psychology of Communication—George Mason University, VA (2007)
- Certified Stepfamily Coach—Stepfamily Foundation of New York (2006)
- AA in Liberal Arts, Summa Cum Laude—Nova Community College, VA (2004)
- Self Awareness and Self Improvement Program—CRAM (Nondirective Approach to Relationship Therapy), Montreal, Canada (1996/97)
- 18 yrs experience as a business owner in the Hair Care Industry, working one on one with people to develop listening skills, people skills, and business management skills.
- Educator and Trainer for Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products working to develop and implement new education and motivational programss.
Memberships & Affiliations
I am proud to be an active member of the following organizations:
- Stepfamily Foundation
- Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNV), chapter of National Assistance League (President, New Member Education Chairperson, Homeless Project Chairperson)
- Greater Reston Newcomers Club (Welcome Coffee Chairperson, Book Club Chairperson)
- New Neighbors League of Washington DC (President, VP of Activities)
- Canadian Club of Washington DC (VP of Activities)
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