"The best book available for stepfamilies that I've seen."From the Back CoverYou Can Be a Smart StepmomIn today's complicated stepfamily, the stepmom often doesn't know where to turn for help. Let stepfamily expert Ron Deal and experienced stepmom Laura Petherbridge show you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom, including: How to be a positive influence on children who are torn between loyalty to their biological mom and to you.What to do when you feel ostracized, rejected, or lonely.When and how to step back during conflict and let your husband take the lead.How to handle holidays, adult stepchildren, between-home communication, and much more.Here is the hope, encouragement, and practical information to assure you that you are not alone in the stepmom journey.About the AuthorRon L. Deal is the founder of Successful Stepfamilies, which empowers stepfamilies toward healthy living and equips churches to minister to their unique needs. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor who frequently appears in national media, including Focus on the Family, HomeWord, Reality Talks, and FamilyLife Today. He speaks at conferences including the National Stepfamily Conference and the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference. Ron and his wife, Nan, and their sons live in Amarillo, Texas.Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker and author of When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't": Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce. She has been featured on FamilyLife Today, HomeWord, and the Crown Financial Ministries' radio broadcast. Laura is featured on the DivorceCare video series, used by over 12,000 churches worldwide and has taught on divorce recovery at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Laura and her husband, Steve, reside in Lady Lake, Florida. should you read two books at once The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wow!! The author knows how to explain things ...By RachaelWow!! The author knows how to explain things to where you feel you are right there in her stories. With out giving to much away this book has helped me understand how my step son is feeling and how to get him to trust me and most importantly when to let his dad be in charge so I can continue to develop a healthy relationship with him. It has helped me get insight on how to deal with the ex-wife too, one of the most crucial parts when getting remarried. A must read for any Step mom who is or has entered into a blended family.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Much NeededBy crystal williamsI loved this book. It really helped me during a really difficult time in my marriage. The book is very realistic about the expectations of a stepmom. The prayers at the end of each chapter were right on point with what I was feeling, and though I could not verbally say what I was feeling, the prayers spoke the words for me. If you have a step child please get and read this book, it will improve your relationship if it is already good, or improve your relationship as a step-mom if it is broken5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Hands down, the best book for a stepmom to read!!By C. CourtrightI had been a stepmom for over 12 years before I found this book! It was such a breath of fresh air to finally read something that talked about things I'd experienced, feelings that I had been feeling for years, validation that the role of a stepmom is the hardest of all of the roles and good, sound advice on how to deal with things! I recommend this book to EVERY woman that is dating a man with children, especially if they get married! It will save so much confusion, heartache, bitterness, let-downs, etc. I now have a better understanding of why my stepson does/says the things he does and to have more empathy for his mom when she's driving me crazy! :)