Stepliving for Teens: Getting Along with Stepparents, Parents, and Siblings

This book was brilliant for our kids and step kids (aged 11 and 14). I dealt with so many ordinary dilemas and helped both them and us see that what they feel is normal.

This book would be a bargain at 10 times the price. Because it is presented as teens sharing their experiences and advice with other teens, it has instant credibility with kids. Meanwhile, the advice is excellent, as it comes through the filter of an extremely insightful therapist who puts the kids' happiness first. My 12 year-old stepson has been rejecting me for the past 3 years because of pressure from his mother, but when my husband gave him this book, he actually started reading it! My stepson is now beginning to stand up for his right to be kept out of the middle and we are so happy to see him feeling less conflicted. This book has given him tools to deal effectively with any unreasonable adults in his life. . . even if those adults happen to be us!

As a an author and mediator that works with stepfamilies, I do not come across books about which I say, "I wish I had written that", but Stepliving for Teens is one of those books. It's written for older adolecents and younger teens, and tackles some of the BIG subjects that really concern kids living in stepfamilies. I highly recommend this book to older kids, younger teens, and their parents and I thank the authors for writing it.

I would highly recommend this book for teens (and pre-teens) as well as parents in stepfamilies, or those people in the process of forming stepfamilies. The format of "Stepliving" makes it particularly accessible for young readers. The authors approach this difficult subject with an honesty and integrity that is rare in self-help books. The book is realistic, helpful and full of useful tips and real-life experiences teens will easily relate to. The experience of being a teen AND being in a new stepfamily can be a tremendous challenge. This book will both reassure the reader that their responses are normal and assist them in taking responsiblity for making change and accepting what can't be changed about their stepfamily.

I run a website for stepfamilies and am always reading and recommending books to them. After having read this one, I knew it would be perfect for stepchildren. The book focuses on real questions & problems from actual children and answers from two psychologists who work with families. A wonderful book for any child who finds his/herself in the midst of a new family. What I liked most about this book was that it dealt with topics other books for kids haven't touched, including crushes on stepsiblings. One of my favorite parts of the book was the "fill in the name" letter stepchildren can give to a stepparent when kids feel they're being pushed into having a relationship with the new parent. As a stepmom, the book gave me insight into issues my stepson may have now and in the future and has better prepared me for whatever lies ahead! I recommend it to every stepfamily.