Book Review: "The Smart Stepmom is a user-friendly, practical guide to understanding the common pitfalls stepmothers encounter daily... Learning how to cope, and designing a plan to help your efforts as a stepmom succeed, are the keys to success! I highly recommend The Smart Stepmom to any woman considering this noble endeavor.”
Connie Maier,
CBA Retailers+Resources Magazine
Oct 2009
Listen to their FamilyLife Today broadcast at www.familylife.com and their Focus on the Family broadcast here.
"I just finished reading The Smart Stepmom and I feel set free! Ten years of being a stepmom and I was ready to quit; I did not know where to turn for advice. It is like you read my mind and heart and wrote this book for me. I will read it over and over and buy a copy for every stepmom I know! Thank you!!!!!
--Jacquie D., stepmom
"Finally, a book that is realistic and practical for stepmoms. I highly recommend this book."
Dr. Gary D. Chapman, bestselling author of The Five Love Languages
"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."
From bestselling author Ron L. Deal, with stepmom and divorce recovery expert Laura Petherbridge.
The stepmother's role is ambiguous, under appreciated, and frequently carries unrealistic expectations. This book answers women's concerns and questions, including:
How can I be a caretaker and a key emotional connector in the family if the children don't accept my influence?
How should I cope with children who are confused about their family and torn between loyalty to their biological mother and me?
When should I step back in conflicts and when should I insist that my husband stand up for me?
What is my role with adult stepchildren?
In addition it addresses the spiritual and emotional climate of the home, providing perspective and guidelines to help stepmothers and their families thrive.
Chapters address:
The Smart Stepmom: Who is She? Read the Introduction
Feeling Like an Outsider
Understanding His Kids
Parenting Beside the Engaged or Disengaged Father
Your Husband's Ex: Friend or Foe?
Understanding Your Kids
Kodak Moments: Vacations, Holidays, Mother's Day and Special Occasions
Adult Stepchildren
Should We Have an "Ours" Baby?
Plus, two chapters offer husbands guidance as they support the stepmother in her role.
Includes discussion questions for groups.
Praise for The Smart Stepmom:
"Finally, a book that is realistic and practical for stepmoms. I highly recommend this book."
Gary D. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages and Love As a Way of Life
"As a stepmom myself, I'm thrilled to find a solid resource that tackles the complex and multifaceted issues associated with being a stepmom."
Kim Alexis, Supermodel, Speaker, and Author
"Are you a stepmom who needs a shoulder to lean on? You'll find respect and a compassionate perspective for problem solving within these pages. Make the time to read them."
Dr. Margorie Engel, Stepfamily Expert Council (National Stepfamily Resource Center) Former President, Stepfamily Association of America
Ron L. Deal is the President of Successful Stepfamilies and a leading remarriage and stepfamily expert. He is author of the bestselling book The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Stepfamily, a popular conference speaker, and a licensed marriage and family therapist. His work has been featured in the national media and newspapers throughout the country. Ron trains marriage educators and ministry leaders throughout the country on a regular basis.
Laura Petherbridge has been a stepmother for over 22 years. She 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.
Softcover, 267 pages, from Bethany House Publishers. October, 2009
