The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive - Softcover

Deal, Ron L.; Petherbridge, Laura

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764207024 ISBN 13: 9780764207020

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers, 2009

Synopsis

The stepmother's role often is ambiguous and underappreciated, and frequently it carries unrealistic expectations. The 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 shoud 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? In addition it addresses the spiritual and emotional climate of the home, providing perspective and guidelines to help stepmothers and their families thrive.

About this title

About the Author

Ron 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.

From the Back Cover

You Can Be a Smart Stepmom

In 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0764207024
• ISBN 13: 9780764207020
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 267