DATELINE: PLYMOUTH, MA…
25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad author Joe D’Eramo recently announced plans for a “Stepfather of the Year” award to recognize the important role stepdads play in blended families.
In nominating a Stepfather of the Year, D’Eramo is soliciting anecdotes from members of blended families—families with children from previous marriages/relationships. The person submitting the most touching story about that transcendent moment when their blended family became splendid will win dinner for two at Olive Garden.
“Being a stepfather can be a tough gig. As much as the kids might have been excited about Mom getting remarried, living with another adult in the house is an adjustment,” said D’Eramo, stepfather to two. “But there are these events in our lives, good or bad, where we cross that line and become a family. That’s what I want to hear from other blended families as they nominate their stepdads.”
Interested blended family members can enter their stepdad by telling their story on the 25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mystepdad (you have to like the page first). If you are not on Facebook, you can submit your story in 250 words or less to joe.deramo@facebook.com. Photos are welcome. A winner of a $50 gift certificate to Olive Garden will be selected on June 18 (the Monday after Father’s Day). U.S. residents from all 50 states are welcome. You must submit a valid name and e-mail address to be considered.
“Stepfathers play an important part in the lives of their stepchildren. Yet it can be difficult for children to celebrate Father’s Day with their stepfather for any number of reasons—visitation schedules that require the children to be with the biological father on Father’s Day; guilt over celebrating Father’s Day with someone who is not their biological father,” said D’Eramo. “ “The reason behind this contest is so that I can create a special way to honor these men who do so much for their families.”
According to the website The Bonded Family, almost 2,100 blended families form in the United States every day. Another site, Smart Stepfamilies, states that more than 29 million parents (13 percent) are also stepparents to other children.
A Plymouth, Mass.-resident and step-parent of two, Joe D’Eramo recently published a new e-book, 25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad as a way to offer helpful suggestions for soon-to-be or newly married men who are becoming husbands and fathers for the first time.
25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad sells for $8.95 on Amazon as a Kindle book (Kindle also offers a free app that enables customers to read e-books on their PC) and as an e-book on D’Eramo’s website, www.hiroadcommunications.com. You can read more about the book and tips for stepfathers on the 25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/mystepdad.
