Released on = December 13, 2005, 8:57 pm

Press Release Author = The International Stepfamily Foundation

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = 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.

Press Release Body = Toney, Alabama - December 13, 2005 - 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.

# # #

Web Site = http://www.istepfamily.com

Contact Details = 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.