BOOKS
The Package Deal: My (not-so) Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom
by Izzy Rose
A delightful book that makes you both cry and laugh out loud. Izzy Rose shares her journey from independent career woman to taking on an instant family with two teenage boys. It's a honest look at what you give up, and what you gain. But most of all, I treasure it for being a reminder that you're going to be ok. Available in Kindle Edition | Paperback
The Enlightened Stepmother
by Perdita K. Norwood and Teri Wingender
This book is the result of a five year study that observed, interviewed
and surveyed 200 stepmothers. Covers all phases, relationship types and roles of a stepfamily structure. Talks about how support groups can help and includes essentials needed for a successful stepfamily, such as portraying
a united front, taking care of finances and getting outside support. Available in Paperback
For Better or For Worse: Divorce Reconsidered
by E. M. Hetherington & J. Kelly
An exploration on the effect of divorce in America today based on three longitudinal studies on marriage, divorce and remarriage. The first study looked at 144 families over the span of twenty years with families divided into two groups: one of non-divorced middle class white families, and the other half, also middle class white families, who were divorced with a "target" child of age 4. The second study, based on adaptation in stepfamilies with a young adolescent child, examined the families at different intervals and compared with non-divorced families with teenagers of the same age. The third study was based on genetics, shared environment and non-shared environment and observed 720 two-parent families with same-sex adolescent siblings. Available in Paperback | Hardcover
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most
by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, Roger Fisher
Offers advice for handling unpleasant exchanges in a manner that accomplishes your objective and diminishes the possibility that anyone is needlessly hurt. If you're interested in elevating your communication skills, this book walks you through both mistakes and remedies in a way that boosts your confidence in handling unavoidable clashes. Available in Paperback | Audio CD
Stepfamilies: The Step by Step Model of Brief Therapy
by Mala S. Burt & Roger B. Burt
A look at the problems stepfamilies face, stages they go through, examples of assessment guidelines and other strategies. Includes stories of real families and ways they were helped. This technique most effective for stepfamilies who need help understanding roles and expectations and not for seriously problematic cases such as domestic violence and abuse. Available in Hardcover
Stepparenting: Everything You Need to Know to Make it Work
by Jeanette Lofas
The founder of Stepfamily Foundation talks about the difficulties stepparents face in regards to raising stepchildren and having unrealistic expectations. She encourages couples to focus on strengthening their relationship and explains the steps to creating a stronger relationship in order to build a strong and loving stepfamily. Includes house rules, how and why children should have chores, the importance of rituals, ex-spouses, money issues and legal rights. Available in Paperback | Hardcover
A Couple's Guide to Communication
by John Gottman
A study on 250 couples examines how couples communicate and ways to resolve problems. Written for the couple in mind, it includes easy-to-do exercises and simple terminology to effectively communicate what you want in your relationship. Very down-to-earth and practical. Available in Paperback
Resources
Read Claudette's latest ezine article,
"What is a Stepmother?"
NEWSLETTERS
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WEBSITES
Stepfamily Foundation of New York
An organization that helps stepfamilies find the resources they need to build a strong family including telephone counseling; and referrals to therapist, counselors and coaches. This website is a wonderful resource of information and local resources for both stepfamilies and therapists alike.
Stepfamily Association of America
Provides information on stepfamily law and policy, educational resources, programs and services. Includes questions and answers on myths and statistics as well as research findings—a good place to start to get resources and information for stepfamilies.
Parenthood in America
Dr. Beverly Bliss, a clinical psychologist from Madison Wyoming, shows several statistics demonstrating stepfamily difficulties. Find compiled information from Jeannette Lofas (founder of the Stepfamily Foundation) on the steps to becoming a better stepfamily, including information for fathers/stepfathers and mothers/stepmothers and on how to strengthen the couple's relationship. Includes books and resources for stepparenting.
2nd Wives Club
Chat rooms and articles about stepmoms. A place to get support and a feel of community within the stepfamily realm.
A Joyful Place Called Home by Sweetie Berry
A stepmom's journey and advice about being in a stepfamily
Gordon Training International: Family Training
Take a look at P.E.T. (Parent Effectiveness Training) by Thomas Gordon and other workshops for becoming more effective parents. Great parenting tips, ideas and stories.
