The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive

by Ron L. Deal, Laura Petherbridge

Overview

All the Tools You Need to Thrive as a Stepmom

Let stepfamily experts Ron L. Deal and Laura Petherbridge show you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom, including how to be a positive influence on the children and how to deal with conflict, as well as practical issues like dealing with holidays and between-home communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764234484
Publisher:	Bethany House Publishers
Publication date:	04/16/2019
Edition description:	Repackaged Edition
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	457,330
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Ron L. Deal is founder of Smart Stepfamilies, director of FamilyLife Blended, and the leading author on blended families in the US. He is the author of The Smart Stepfamily and Dating and the Single Parent and coauthor of The Smart Stepfamily Marriage. He and his wife live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at www.rondeal.org.

Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker, a frequent radio guest, and the author of 101 Tips for The Smart Stepmom and Quiet Moments for the Stemom's Soul. She and her husband live in Atlanta. Learn more at www.thesmartstepmom.com.

Table of Contents

Section 1 The Smart Stepmom: Who Is She?

Introduction 13

Chapter 1 Can You Hear Me Now? 19

Chapter 2 Can I Run Away From Home? 33

Chapter 3 The Wicked Stepmother: Did Disney Have Me in Mind? 51

Chapter 4 Understanding His Kids (Part 1): Loss, Grief, and Troubling Emotions 65

Chapter 5 Understanding His Kids (Part 2): Loyalty 83

Chapter 6 Partnering: Stepparenting Beside the Engaged or Disengaged Father 102

Section 2 Getting Smart: The Stepparenting Team

Chapter 7 Dad Smart (Part 1): She Can't Do It Without You 125

Chapter 8 Dad Smart (Part 2): Pitfalls and Good Intentions 140

Chapter 9 Meet Your Ex-Wife-in-Law: Friend or Foe? 155

Chapter 30 Understanding Your Kids: What Do They Need? 176

Chapter 11 Kodak Moments: Vacations, Holidays, Mother's Day, and Special Occasions 194

Chapter 12 Adult Stepchildren 216

Chapter 13 Baby Steps: Should We Have an "Ours" Baby? 241

Chapter 14 Smart Love 256

Editorial Reviews

It is hard to imagine a more extensive resource material on this challenging topic of entering into and living out the role of stepmom. Excellent from start to finish, stepmoms (and those who love them) will be comforted, encouraged and energized to stay at the task of rearing, loving and accepting their stepchildren.
—Michele Howe

Fark FaithfulReader.com