Encouraging Words for New Stepmothers

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!

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.

Jean McBride offers sage advice to ALL stepmothers, not just the new stepmothers. There is so much hope for all in this treasure of a book.

A small volume, yet a treasure trove of useful tips & reminders for anyone involved in any kind of relationship. Specifically targeted to the stepmothers amongst us, this is advice which is easy to read, absorb & put into practice.Encouraging Words will make an excellent gift for yourself, your own stepmother, or any well-loved friend or relative who finds themself in this situation where a few encouraging words can make all the difference.

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.