Product Description

"Being a stepmother is like setting your hair on fire and then putting it out with a hammer!" Such description is what lead therapist and author, Jean McBride, M.S., LMFT, to write "Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers."

Readers will glean sage advice and renewed hope for managing the new stepmother role from this portable paperback support system.

The 51 up-lifting essays in "Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers" contain a wealth of research-based information founded on real life experiences, for dealing with the challenges and complexities of stepparenting.

Written in a style reminiscent of sitting down to tea with a knowledgeable, caring friend, these reader-friendly essays offer a tonic for the soul for the stepmother and those who support her.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #567204 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 186 pages

Review
"Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers" is like a dear friend who reassures, 'I know just what you mean'. -- Dr. Margorie Engel, President and CEO, Stepfamily Association of America

"I heartily recommend "Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers"... It offers a realistic, comforting, hopeful approach to stepfamily life." -- Barbara Perlmutter, MSW, Founder, Stepfamily Consultation & Counseling, Seattle, WA

"The book's contribution to the support and wellbeing of new stepmothers is invaluable." -- Perdita Norwood, co-author,

From the Author
Early in the last century, a young woman prepared herself for marriage by filling a hope chest. Into it she placed hand-embroidered linens, dishes, silver, and other items needed to set up housekeeping for the first time.

Today, approximately half of all marriages represent a remarriage for one or both adults. Second wives find themselves less in need of tea towels and toasters and more in need of accurate information, support, and, especially, hope. "Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers" is for women whose relationship with a partner and his children places them in the role of stepmother.

Be creative in how you read this book. You can read the entire book in one sitting; choose an essay that addresses a particular challenge you face; or simply read those titles which catch your eye. Just take its messages to heart in any way that works for your lifestyle and your needs.

This book is not meant to guarantee problem-free stepfamily living. Rather, the essays provide a template to guide your thinking about your stefamily and what you'd like your role to be. Some will challenge your thinking; others will sooth you as you work through this relationship maze called your stepfamily.

As you incorporate suggestions from these essays into your life, you are likely to feel more connected to your partner and clearer about how you both set the tone and expectations for your family.

Whether you need to receive support as a stepmother or wish to give support, you'll find a wealth of information at your fingertips in "Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers."

About the Author
Jean McBride, M.S., LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with families as they move through divorce and beyond. As CEO of the Center for Divorce & Remarriage, Inc., Jean has established a reputation for excellence in the field of divorce and remarriage and is a much sought after professional trainer and public speaker.

Jean has consulted with ABC's "20/20" and CBS's "48 Hours" on stepfamily issues. Jean, who practices in northern Colorado, is co-director of Divorce Transitions, Inc. and serves on the national Board of Directors of the Stepfamily Association of America.

Jean is also the founder of CDR Press, a publishing company dedicated to the production of research-based, user-friendly materials for professionals and the general public on topics of divorce, single parenting, remarriage and step parenting.

Customer Reviews

A must-read for all stepmothers
There is so much support for stepmothers to be found in the pages of this little treasure. Jean McBride's simple, loving, and practical words of encouragement can help to smooth the often bumpy road of stepparenting. From how to deal with the ex-wife, to vacationing with your blended family, to simply acknowledging that it's okay to not be the perfect stepmother--you'll find plenty of good advice and comfort in these short essays. This would make a great gift for any stepmother.

disappointed
I was disappointed with this book. I did not find it encouraging at all.....as a matter of fact....I found it more pro for the stepkids and bio fathers. I was looking for a book that would allow me to feel okay that I don't feel certain ways as a stepmother and I was looking for encouraging words to make me feel that I did not have to have the pressure on me as a stepmother and to feel that I was not expected to do all the compromising. I did not find it helpful and I discarded the book.

Comforting!
I would recommend this book to any stepmother! It made me feel like I wasn't alone in my feelings and frustrations! It is unlike other books of its kind because it's positive without being unrealistic and isn't full of stories about other people. It's the kind of book I'll keep picking up through the years.