Stepparenting: Everything You Need to Know to Make It Work

I am saddened by all of Peter Gerlack's reviews of Jeannette Lofas's books. It is one thing to comment about a book, but when one uses the same comments about all book, and follows it up with self promotion. He mades the intentionof his comments suspect. I poersonally have found all of her books vital to my clients. Barry Miller, Ph.D.

Although Lofas has updated things since this book was originally published, this is a great resource. One thing that sets this book apart from the numerous others on stepparenting is that it speaks to the biological parent as well as the stepparent. Suggestions for opening dialogue between partners coming from entirely different backgrounds, and problem solving steps and procedures are prescribed. The viewpoints of the stepparent, the biological parent, and the child are detailed. This makes it somewhat easier to understand one another.Teamwork and the re-establishment of the household are the major emphasis here. The discussion starters that Lofas suggests between two partners can be a bit painful and emotional, but help lead to a better understanding of each other. Thus, a stronger bond is created.

This book was recommended to me by a counselor. Everyone in my step family benefitted from its insight. We all got a better understanding of the problems we were experiencing. Topics such as where do I fit in & the importance of establishing rules & structure are addressed in an easy to read & understand format. I highly recommend this book to anyone in a step-family situation

Jeannette Lofas, an expert on stepfamilies, provides guidelines for various issues that make a stepfamily difficult. It discusses stepdating, wedding issues, stepchildren issues, stepparenting issues, and more. Lofas also provides various 10 Step suggestions for stepmothers, stepfathers, and stepfamilies in general. This book is easy to read and puts a little reality into what goes on in the stepfamily.