You are not alone on the stepmom journey. In The Smart Stepmom, you'll find practical advice on how to survive and thrive in your new blended family. Learn how to be a positive influence on children who are torn between two moms. When you're feeling rejected, there are steps you can do to improve your self image. Stepfamily expert Ron Deal and experienced stepmom Laura Petherbridge discuss how to handle holidays, adult stepchildren, between-home communication, and lots more. Stop ostracizing yourself and learn from others who have gone before you. Paperback. A Focus on the Family Recommendation.

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.

Ron L. Deal is the founder of Successful Stepfamilies, which empowers stepfamilies toward healthy living and equips churches to minister to their unique needs. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor who frequently appears in national media, including Focus on the Family, HomeWord, Reality Talks, and FamilyLife Today. He speaks at conferences including the National Stepfamily Conference and the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference. Ron and his wife, Nan, and their sons live in Amarillo, Texas.

Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker and author of When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't": Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce. She has been featured on FamilyLife Today, HomeWord, and the Crown Financial Ministries' radio broadcast. Laura is featured on the DivorceCare video series, used by over 12,000 churches worldwide and has taught on divorce recovery at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Laura and her husband, Steve, reside in Lady Lake, Florida.

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Author: Ron L. Deal
Located in: Amarillo, TX
Submitted: October 05, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  Married since 1986, Nan and I have three boys. We tragically lost our 12-year old son, Connor, in February '09. Walking with God after life throws you a curve is not usually easy. I think stepmoms know what I mean.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I've spent more than a two decades now writing, speaking, and training couples and families. After writing The Smart Stepfamily a few years ago, it became obvious that stepmoms have unique challenges that needed to be addressed. Stepmoms need encouragement and specific direction; books on motherhood just don't cut it.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope stepmothers discover that they are doing a better job than they thought. I pray they find encouragement and practical guidance for their most admirable role as stepmom. "Wicked" is an over-used fairy tale; it doesn't have to be your future.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  Over and over again I found myself inspired by the stepmoms who consulted with Laura and I and reviewed our chapters. They, like our great God, choose love every day. Awesome!

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  I have been blessed by many, many people (too numerous to list), and gain hope from everyone who walks in humility. "Regular" people who walk the walk, every day, despite their circumstances, keep me inspired.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  Visit us: SuccessfulStepfamilies.com and share The Smart Stepmom or The Smart Stepfamily with your pastor or ministry leader. The church must become more educated about stepfamilies if we are going to lower the redivorce rate.

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