Statistics tell us that one in three Americans is a member of a stepfamily. Though rarely acknowledged in churches even today, millions of Christians struggle with the obstacles common in divorce and remarriage.

A stepmother herself, Natalie Gillespie offers hope and healing to stepfamilies who are striving to achieve harmony in their households. This handbook addresses the painful issues many stepfamilies must work through, including part-time parenting, discipline, issues with former spouses, and intimidating legal battles. 

The Stepfamily Survival Guide contains practical solutions to common problems and resources beneficial to stepfamilies. The author also shares from her own experience and gives advice and encouragement on how stepfamilies can both thrive and glorify God.

Click here to read more and purchase The Stepfamily Survival Guide

When faced with often overwhelming challenges, what woman with stepchildren is unfamiliar with that "stepmonster" feeling? Half of all women in the United States will live with or marry a man with children. To guide women new to this role--and empower those who are struggling with it--Wednesday Martin draws upon her own experience as a stepmother.

She's frank about the harrowing process of becoming a stepmother, she considers the myths and realities of being married to a man with children, and she counteracts the cultural notion that stepmothers are solely responsible for the problems that often develop.

Along the way, she interviews other stepmothers and stepchildren and offers up fascinating insights from literature, anthropology, psychology, and evolutionary biology that explain the little-understood realities of this unique parent-child relationship and--in an unexpected twist--shows why the myth of the Wicked Stepmother is the single best tool for understanding who real stepmothers are and how they feel.

Stepfamily Community - social networking

Tips for Stepfather Raising Stepdaughters

| No Comments

Raising biological children is challenging enough, but when you become a stepfather, forming relationships can be much more difficult. When you first enter your stepdaughter’s life, you can expect a ‘honeymoon’ period, before she may ultimately become distant. This is because the reality of your presence in her life has finally started to settle in. She may not understand why her mother has found a replacement for her father, and may blame you for the major changes she will have to endure. She will need some time, sometimes a lot of time, to come to the realization that you are there to stay. There are many things that a stepfather can do to facilitate the process.

Stepfamily Community - social networking

How to Bond with Stepchildren

| No Comments
Let’s face it – it’s difficult enough to be a parent to your own children, but what about being a stepparent? Research shows that it takes an average of five to seven years for a stepfamily to accept their new roles and have stress levels return to normal. While you can’t speed up the clock on this one, there are proactive steps you can take to bond with your stepchildren. Like most men, you want to take care of your family, and you can only do this by having positive relationships with everyone in the household.

Stepfamily Community - social networking

Building a Successful Blended Family

| No Comments

With the divorce rate so high today, it is not uncommon for a parent to marry and have children from a previous relationship. Step parenting is a little more complicated than parenting your own biological kids. There are other parents involved, but building a successful blended family is possible with a little work and effort.

 

 

Stepfamily Community - social networking

Mistakes Step-Parents Make

| No Comments

We all make mistakes, even though we may not like to admit it. Being a dad is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and once you throw step kids into the mix, the role gets even harder.

There’s no one right way to stepparent, as you’ll have to tailor your approach based on the ages and genders of your stepchildren. But there are some mistakes that you can avoid right off the bat.

In fact, these mistakes are some of the worst you can make and to some children, unforgiveable.

Mistakes Step-Parents Make | Father Advisor

Special Challenges for Stepmothers

| No Comments

Research suggests that stepmothers tend to have a more difficult time in their role than stepfathers.

And for stepmums who don't already have kids of their own, the new responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Make sure you get as much help as possible from your partner and other friends and family.

BBC - Health: Becoming a step-parent

Ten Critical Tips for Stepfamilies

| No Comments

Step-parenting expert Elizabeth Einstein, who will present a public workshop in Englewood Nov. 5 and a professional workshop for clinicians on Nov. 6, said 10 tips can make a critical difference to the success of stepfamilies.

Einstein is the author of the books, "Strengthening Your Stepfamily," "Active Parenting for Stepfamilies," and "The Stepfamily: Living, Loving & Learning."

Ten critical tips for stepfamilies - Colorado Springs Step Parenting | Examiner.com

Smart Stepmom, The: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive

| No Comments
Smart Stepmom, The: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive

Smart Stepmom, The: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive
By Ron L. Deal, Laura Petherbridge

List Price:$13.99
Price:$11.19 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

56 new or used available from $7.60

Average customer review:  
(18 customer reviews)

Product Description

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.

5 Star Reviews Stepfamily Survival Guide

| No Comments
5 Star Reviews Stepfamily Survival Guide

Stepfamily Survival Guide has received 5 star

About the Author Stepfamily Survival Guide

| No Comments
Natalie Nichols Gillespie is an award-winning journalist, author, and editor whose articles have appeared in over twenty publications. Today Gillespie reviews the Christian music industry for Christian Retailing magazine. She resides in Clearwater, Florida, with her husband and six children and stepchildren.