7 Steps to Bonding with Your Stepchild: Practical Advice for Bonding with Your Stepchildren

by Suzen J. Ziegahn

Practical, realistic, and upbeat advice--from sharing a bathroom to initiating conversations--for people who "inherit" children along with a new spouse. The success or failure of a stepparent to bond with stepchildren can make or break a new marriage. But this book has a refreshing message--it is possible to achieve longlasting, rewarding relationships with your new children.

Most stepparents feel caught in a bind because in order to connect with their stepchild, they have to reach out--but not too much, too little, or too deliberately. And relationships with stepchildren are inherently different from those with biological children who love their parent unconditionally. But these 7 basic steps will give you the essentials, from deciding what kind of stepparent you want to be to realizing that love comes later.

Genres: Parenting

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2001

Reviews

[Lindsey Fleck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Wish I would have read it several years ago before problems arose. I think it may have helped our situation. Moving forward, I know some tips from this book. I also see from a different angle what the Step-parent might be going through. The greatest lesson I learned from this book, is that ultimately the Step-parent is the adult & needs to put forth every effort into making the relationship with the stepchild to work if they want the marriage to work. They don’t necessarily need to LOVE the child, but there does need to be mutual respect, caring, & the child needs to be able to trust the Step-parent. I would highly recommend the book to Step-parents & that the parent with the children also read the book to get an understanding of the other point of view as well.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book for people who are struggling to blend their families. Probably better for people with younger kids or teens, not so much adult children. Good, practical tips. Quick read.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is decent. I'd recommend it to people who ask for help in this area.