101 Tips for the Smart Stepmom: Expert Advice From One Stepmom to Another

by Laura Petherbridge

Practical Ideas You Can Use TodayIn this down-to-earth book, Laura Petherbridge offers real answers from someone who's walked in your shoes--and not only survived, but thrived as a stepmom. Here you'll find compact solutions arranged by topic, such as parenting, coping with the children's biological mom, finances, and dealing with the holidays. You will learn · how to better understand your blended family· what to do when you feel like an outsider· ways to navigate the drama· keys to gaining the respect of your stepkidsThese bite-sized tips are perfect for a busy stepmom, offering at-a-glance advice you can use today--and see change begin.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2014

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful and made me feel less crazy for all the feelings I felt about becoming a stepmom.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a very quick and informative read. I felt like I got a lot of little tips and reminders while reading it. As every step family is different, I skimmed some parts that didn't pertain to my situation. I didn't gather from the description that it would be as heavily religious though. I think readers would appreciate knowing right off the bat that there is a lot of religion woven into the book. However, even with my views as an agnostic athetist, I can appreciate the fact that those parts will be immensely helpful to some.
The book as a whole was informative and allowed me to remember that I'm not alone in my journey.

[Shavauna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I appreciate books for step-moms, by step-moms. There were certain parts of this book I wholeheartedly agreed with and was grateful someone else had similar feelings about being a step-mom (i.e. the reality that step-moms don't always have the same love for the step-children as the biological parent does, that it is completely acceptable to feel overwhelmed by immediately having children in a new relationship, etc.). However, after the first few pages this book started to rub me the wrong way.

The advice that step-parents should not be involved in disciplining children, should not have anything to do with the other biological parent, and should for the most part not be a maternal/paternal figure but more of an ever-present 'friend'(not the exact words) really rubbed me the wrong way.

There are as many ways to step-parent as there are ways to parent. What worked for Laura Petherbridge may or may not work in my new family. I am thankful that such a book was written, but I could not bring myself to rate this book more than one star.

[Lesley Cross MacLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book. Quick read. But written in a way from
Someone who has been there and gets it. Stepmom parenting is so different than biological parenting and comes with stressors, frustrations and limits we have little control
Over. This book has good tips but also was validating of the challenges associated with the role.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be great for a religious person, but only about half of the content applied to my worldview.

[Serlina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative!!!

[Denysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so insightful and well written. It gave some great tips. I really enjoyed this one a lot.

[Cabracrazy18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is very useful. It is a quick read and has some great tips for step-parenting. I didn't realize that the book had a religious component- which isn't a problem, I just thought that might be mentioned on the cover or something. It has a prayer following every chapter and Bible verses for further study. For a non-religious stepmom, you could always just skip that page after each chapter. The author makes many points and suggestions that I had never even considered and will definitely influence how I continue to step-parent. I didn't give this book 5 stars because I expected it to offer more solutions and problem solving advice- but it is insightful non-the-less.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips to set your mindset in the right direction...a view of all sides

An elightening view and perspective for Step Moms and blended families. I especially liked the practical and spirtitual perspective of the tips and guidance. This book was recommended to me and I would recommend to others as well.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great quick read exposing the problems & challenges faced by Stepmoms. She has a second book, The Smart Stepmom, that explores some topics deeper. I haven't read it but I would just based upon this one.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tip for every Stepmother. This is a book that is a must need for the stepparents library, and it has very wise information in it.

[Racheal Gironda]

I heard most of the info. before from the other stepfamily/stepmom books.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative!!!

[Alice Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME read for Stepmoms!

Truly amazing & insightful information every stepmom or stepmom to be NEEDS to hear.

Now on to ‘The Smart Stepmom’!