Brave New Stepfamilies
Brave New Stepfamilies

Author: Susan D. Stewart

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Published: 2006-12-20

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1483360199

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Brave New Stepfamilies is an excellent treatise on today′s families....This volume is a welcome addition to the field of family studies, and I highly recommend it." —Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Columbia University "A thorough, balanced tour de force!" —Frances Goldscheider, University of Maryland Brave New Stepfamilies maps the changing landscape of American stepfamilies, taking readers on a tour through the diverse assortment of traditional and not-so-traditional stepfamily forms that have emerged in recent years. Author Susan D. Stewart presents the latest scholarly research on stepfamilies in an accessible way, weaving together predominant theoretical perspectives, findings from research and national surveys, and interviews with stepfamily members. Key Features: Investigates the social and demographic trends that have irrevocably altered stepfamily life: While most books on stepfamilies focus on divorce and remarriage, this book examines recent trends, such as couples having children and living together outside of marriage, parents sharing custody of children, gay marriage, the aging population, and increasing racial and ethnic diversity, that provide multiple pathways to stepfamily formation. Explores a wide range of living arrangements, caregiving, and intimacy scenarios: This book captures the lived experience of contemporary Americans. Extending across various household settings, this book pays special attention to multihousehold stepfamilies, stepparent adoption, stepfamilies with adult stepchildren, and African American stepfamilies. Provides practical information on the prevalence of stepfamilies in society: Counting the number of stepfamilies in society is difficult; published estimates are sometimes unreliable. This book describes the latest data sources, trends in data collection, and data limitations. In addition, useful information on the legal and practical realities of living as a stepfamily is provided. Intended Audience: This is an excellent text for a variety of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on family, such as Divorce and Remarriage, Stepfamilies, Family Diversity, Gay and Lesbian Families, Aging and the Family, African American Families, and Family Policy, in departments of sociology, human development & family studies, psychology, African American or ethnic studies, and public policy.

Stepmonster
Stepmonster

Author: Wednesday Martin

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 2011-01-21

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 0547394314

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An honest and groundbreaking guide to understanding the complicated emotions that develop between stepmothers and children. When faced with often overwhelming challenges, what woman with stepchildren is unfamiliar with that “stepmonster” feeling? Half of all women in the United States will live with or marry a man with children. To guide women new to this role—and empower those who are struggling with it—Wednesday Martin draws upon her own experience as a stepmother. She's frank about the harrowing process of becoming a stepmother, she considers the myths and realities of being married to a man with children, and she counteracts the cultural notion that stepmothers are solely responsible for the problems that often develop. Along the way, she interviews other stepmothers and stepchildren and offers up fascinating insights from literature, anthropology, psychology, and evolutionary biology that explain the little-understood realities of this unique parent-child relationship and—in an unexpected twist—shows why the myth of the Wicked Stepmother is the single best tool for understanding who real stepmothers are and how they feel.

Stepfamilies
Stepfamilies

Author: James H. Bray

Publisher: Crown

Published: 2011-08-17

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 0307803635

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Based on a landmark longitudinal study, the nation's leading expert on stepfamilies reveals his breakthrough findings and offers the first detailed guide to easing the conflicts of stepfamily life and healing the scars of divorce. There are more than twenty million stepfamilies in America. For most of them, the simple, daily issues that challenge every family are even more anxiety-provoking. After conducting a comprehensive nine-year-long study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Dr. James H. Bray has written an invaluable book that explains why over half of all stepfamilies fail and reveals the strategies that help the others succeed. A stepfamily is assaulted on all sides by difficult and often divisive questions. How much control should a stepparent have over a stepchild? How much authority should a nonresidential parent exert over a child? How should a difficult former spouse be handled? How does an "ours" baby change the emotional dynamic in a stepfamily? Why is there a lack of "honeymoon effect" during the first years of stepfamily life? The purpose of Stepfamilies is to answer all the important questions of stepfamily life--to fill in the knowledge gaps that undermine so many stepfamilies today and, crucially, to learn the effect of stepfamily life on children. Based on one of the largest and longest studies of stepfamily life ever conducted, Stepfamilies interweaves the stories of real families to illustrate such study findings as how: a stepfamily has its own natural life cycle a stepfamily takes several years to develop into a family unit a stepfamily is at greatest risk during the first two years a stepfamily ultimately coalesces into one of three forms a stepfamily must solve four basic tasks in order to succeed a stepfamily can help heal the scars of divorce Filled with emotional, gripping stories, Bray's findings pinpoint the three major transitions in stepfamily life and identify the riskiest issues that can throw a family into crisis. Bray is the first to identify the several distinct forms that stepfamilies take and to explore which types of stepfamilies are more vulnerable than others and why. He also describes the natural life cycle of stepfamilies and basic tasks all stepfamilies must undertake to succeed. With a wealth of insight into the positive effects of remarriage, Bray shows how a loving, well-functioning stepfamily can lessen the trauma of divorce and restore a child's and family's sense of security. Most stepparents remarry with the highest hopes and new resolutions for a better life. Never before have their unique needs been addressed in depth. Through insightful case studies and practical advice, Stepfamilies reveals how a strong, stable stepfamily is as capable as a nuclear family of nurturing healthy development, of imbuing values, of setting limits and boundaries, and of providing a structure in which rules for living a moral and productive life are transmitted, tested, rebelled against, and ultimately affirmed. Bray's positive message and fascinating findings--many of which defy intuition--will put stepfamilies on the road to lifelong harmony.

Stepfamily Relationships
Stepfamily Relationships

Author: Lawrence Ganong

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-07-15

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 1489977023

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This second edition synthesizes the emerging knowledge base on the diversity of stepfamilies, their inherent concerns, and why so relatively little is still known about them. Its extensive findings shed needed light on family arrangements relatively new to the literature (e.g., cohabitating stepparents), the effects of these relationships on different family members (e.g., stepsiblings, stepgrandparents), the experiences of gay and lesbian stepfamilies, and the stigma against non-nuclear families. Coverage reviews effective therapeutic and counseling interventions for emotional, familial, and social challenges of stepfamilies, as well as the merits of family education and self-help programs. The authors explore prevailing myths about marriage, divorce, and stepfamily life while expanding the limits of stepfamily research. Among the topics included: • The cultural context of stepfamilies.• Couple dynamics in stepfamilies.• Gay and lesbian couples in stepfamilies. • The dynamics of stepparenting. • Siblings, half-siblings, and stepsiblings. • Effects of stepfamily living on children.• Clinical perspectives on stepfamily dynamics. For researchers and clinicians who work with families, it enriches the literature as it offers insights and guidelines for effective practice as well as possible avenues for future research.

Building Love Together in Blended Families
Building Love Together in Blended Families

Author: Gary Chapman

Publisher: Northfield Publishing

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780802419057

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Learn how to create a loving and safe environment amidst the unique challenges of a blended family in this new book from Ron Deal and bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages®, Gary Chapman"--

Successful Blended Families
Successful Blended Families

Author: Dr. Mabel Radebe

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2012-01-26

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 1469146657

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

According to experts, being involved in a prior marriage decreases the success rate of subsequent marriages. The aim of this book is to reduce the failure rate of remarriages and to promote the success of blended families. Successful Blended Families addresses the common challenges of blended family life and provides practical tools for dealing with them effectively. Attention is given to children in these families, step-parenting, preparation for remarriage as well as the building blocks for a successful blended family. If you are in a blended family or planning to establish such a family, this book is for you. If you are a professional who works with blended families or you simply want to gain more insight and understanding of blended family life, this book is worth reading.

The Smart Stepfamily
The Smart Stepfamily

Author: Ron L. Deal

Publisher: Bethany House

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 076420159X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Each member has their own unique place in a family. Ron Deal explores the myth of the "blended" family offering practical, realistic solutions for stepfamilies.

Stepparenting: Becoming a Stepparent
Stepparenting: Becoming a Stepparent

Author: Mathew Massimo

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2015-07-16

Total Pages: 58

ISBN-13: 9781515110033

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW TO BEST APPROACH YOUR NEW ROLE AS A STEPPARENT? HAVE YOU FOUND IT CHALLENGING TO GET ALONG WITH YOUR STEPCHILDREN? You are certainly not alone, and this book is here to help you. Starting a new family in which you have to integrate your life with that of your stepchildren can pose unique challenges that are not present in nuclear or biological families. Stepparents want nothing more than for things to work out with their new family, but sometimes, the issues that arise may just seem so overwhelming. Don't you wish that someone could hand you a list of all the things you should and shouldn't do to handle your new role better? Don't worry because this book has you covered. This book was written by parents who understand what you are going through, and they provide everything you need to know to make the integration process as easy for you, your spouse, and your stepchildren as possible. Here is what this book will teach you: Managing everyone's expectations in a blended family Knowing your role vis-à-vis your stepchildren's needs Facilitating adjustment Handling differences Establishing a family identity Strengthening your new family PLUS! Do's and don'ts of stepparenting BONUS CHAPTER: The 5 biggest mistakes stepparents make This book is the most comprehensive one you can read about becoming a successful stepparent. Knowing the information in this book and practicing all the tips and advice will surely get you on your way to establishing a solid and loving blended family. Do not delay, and start making a great difference in your family life! DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY!

Developing Healthy Stepfamilies
Developing Healthy Stepfamilies

Author: Patricia Kelley

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-03-18

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 1317823257

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

View the inner workings of healthy stepfamilies through the stories of twenty families as they discuss how their households operate. This enlightening book takes a deeper look at what adults and children in stepfamilies say about such issues as discipline, money, family roles and relationships with ex-spouses, and the development of new traditions and rituals. Incorporating actual words of family members, Developing Healthy Stepfamilies shows many ways in which stepfamilies function well through adapting new and different “rules” to fit their circumstances. The book concentrates on positive rather than negative aspects of stepfamily life to help dim the image of stepfamilies as problematic and also to instill hope in would-be stepfamilies by normalizing their differences from biologically based families. Written with the intention of disseminating information and increasing understanding about stepfamily functioning, this book is useful for stepfamilies, their friends and relatives, and professionals such as teachers, clergy, physicians, and counselors. Developing Healthy Stepfamilies draws a colorful picture of the creativity and flexibility such families have brought to their lives and relationships. Emphasizing what works in stepfamilies instead of what does not, the book illustrates the process of integrating a stepfamily, the value of humor and patience, and the richness that can unfold for all members of the family. The author, a family therapist and educator, has drawn together information direct from stepfamily members themselves, providing readers with first-hand knowledge of the daily workings of this fast growing family form. A showcase of stepfamilies that are functioning well, Developing Healthy Stepfamilies helps show would-be stepfamilies that “it can be done.” This is not a book of instructions; it illuminates the many ways in which stepfamilies can and do function. Some of the topics covered in the book include: definitions of a stepfamily a historical review demographics suggestions for new stepfamilies from established ones genograms of the families participating in the study As a group, stepfamilies are different from biologically based families in form and function. These differences are important for the families, and for those working with them, to recognize and accept as normal. Although intended to be an informative text for professionals and students in fields such as counseling and social work, this book also serves as a source of hope and encouragement for stepfamilies and prospective stepfamilies themselves.

The International Handbook of Stepfamilies
The International Handbook of Stepfamilies

Author: Jan Pryor

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2008-08-04

Total Pages: 648

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Written by contributors from around the world, The International Handbook of Stepfamilies: Policy and Practice in Legal, Research, and Clinical Environments is a collection of research, legal, and clinical recommendations that fills a growing need for complex, re-formed families. Using the information in this book, which includes contemporary research and its implications, you will be able to consider stepfamilies in an international context. Understand the issues that clinicians face when they work with stepfamilies, both before and after formation, and gain more knowledge about this topic as the rates of family reformation increase.