8 Strategies for Successful Step-Parenting

Book excerpt: Maximize Your Success in the Life-Altering Job of Step-Parenting. **** No matter who you are, and how much experience you’ve had with kids, becoming a step-parent, or “blending” families is difficult work. The book presents 8 Strategies, in the form of action steps, to maximize anyone’s chances of success. Written in a non-apologetic voice, the authors present strong and specific direction for handling common problems. Vignettes of 30 real-life family situations support the strategies suggested. Issues and examples are applicable cross-culturally, and address needs of both men and women. * * * As a clinical social worker working with children and families for over thirty years, I was amazed that a book for stepparents was finally written in a no-nonsense approach to melding two or more families as a whole. There is now a map to navigate this potential mine field. The authors traverse the mine field with specific and practical advice for real world parents and real world children. Written with their special ability to pull the reader in and make you feel you can do it! -Rhonda Terpak, LCSW **** Finally! A book that skips the psychological babble and offers straight-up advice for building a loving, respectful blended family. This book should be required reading for anyone who applies for a marriage license the second time around! -Rod Slane, step-father; and composer, Prescription Audio. **** These authors have provided a nuts and bolts guide that offers simple solutions to a complex issue. It will remain on my nightstand where it is destined to become a well-worn reference manual for this busy career woman who also happens to be the adoptive parent and step-parent of seven children. This is a must for anyone who is now, or is considering to become a step-parent! -Jill Noonan, film producer, Dreams Beyond Production. **** Another great book destined to be a best seller. These authors never cease to amaze me! It is like reading a novel, except the characters are real. Insightful, interesting, and a page-turner.-Uwe Geertz, Ph.D., professor of psychology.