Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers [Paperback]

Jean A. McBride (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2001

Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers, a portable support system, is a series of essays based on the most current research about stepfamilies and written in a conversational style, much like sitting down for tea with a knowledgeable, caring friend. Whether you need to receive support as a stepmother or wish to give support, you'll find a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Editorial Reviews

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."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: CDR Press (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970772912
• ISBN-13: 978-0970772916
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,161,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for all stepmothers, August 3, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (Tulsa, OK USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers (Paperback)

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars disappointed, June 26, 2006

By 

Stella (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very encouraging!, March 7, 2010

By 

Wendy L. Deppe "Author of The Stepmom Scrapbo... (Coppell, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers (Paperback)

I love the line on the back of this book: "Being a stepmother is like setting your hair on fire and then trying to put it out with a hammer!" Truer words were never spoken. But this book is like balm to burns, and has many soothing words for new and experienced stepmothers. I first read it as a brand new stepmom, and I like to pick it up every now and then even now to apply a little salve to my stepmom wounds.

This small little book is worth its weight in gold! It is comprised of 51 short essays under the following categories:

--Becoming Family
--Your Couple Relationship
--Children, Holidays, and the Other Parent
--Taking Care of Yourself

Although it is not a religious book it kind of reminds me of a daily devotional: each essay is short enough to be read in a short time (many of them just a few minutes), which makes it very easy to pick up and read one essay daily in order, or skip around to essays that really speak to your situation. I especially love the essay "Of Pets and Stepfamilies", as a lot of stepparenting books I have read fail to mention pets/step-pets altogether, and we had a slew of challenges with ours!

All in all I highly recommend this lovely little book. And it's reasonably priced and pretty enough to make a sweet little gift to the stepmother in your life!