Stepmotherhood: How to Survive Without Feeling Frustrated, Left Out, or Wicked - Softcover

Cherie Burns

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060970642 ISBN 13: 9780060970642

Publisher: Harper & Row, 1986

Synopsis

A stepmother and mother herself, writer Cherie Burns has interviewed stepmothers across the country and consulted extensively with family counselors to produce the bold compassionate book on a much neglected subject. Stepmotherhood covers the entire range of experience that every stepmother faces: from what to do when your stepchildren refuse to look you in the eye, compare your cooking to "Mom's," or pit you against your husband to how to cope with ex-wives, visitation schedules, vacations guilt and anger. Money, discipline, housework, sex, and the complications of a two-family holiday are among the subjects explored by Burns, and their are also sections on the special problems of being married to a widower and the stepmother's desire to have her own children.

Most women underestimate the demands (or expect too much) of stepmothering, and Burns' most important advice is to know what your getting into. Frank, insightful, and eminently practical, she describes the anxieties and frustrations as well as the humor and emotional payoffs involved in this much misunderstood role. An indispensable book for any family that includes a stepmother.

About this title

Review

The role of stepmother has long been maligned--just think of Cinderella's or Snow White's stepmothers. Since 1985 when Cheri Burns published this funny, helpful book, stepmothers have felt relieved and no longer so alone. Burns, a stepmother herself, wrote the book to help fellow travelers understand the dynamics and conflicts of their role and navigate the stormy waters of "Expectations," "Guilt," "The Wicked Ex-Wife," "Discipline," "Vacations," and more. Stepmotherhood remains a vital guide for any woman who is either contemplating stepmotherhood or who is already there.

From the Inside Flap

If you're one of the more than 15 million stepmothers in the country, you know the particular trials--and joys--of stepfamily dynamics today. You wonder if you're doing the right thing and, as a stepmother, many of your specific questions are unique. In this second edition of Stepmotherhood: How to Survive Without
Feeling Frustrated, Left Out, or Wicked, journalist and stepmother Cherie Burns brings together countless insights and sound advice, based on the latest research and interviews with experts in the field (including dozens of other stepmoms), to answer questions such as:
- How do you manage discipline when parents and stepparents disagree?
- How can you help stepsiblings get along?
- How do you handle birthdays, holidays, and weddings?
- What's the best way to get along with your stepchild's mother?
- When should you seek a therapist's help?
Burns's wise and empathetic suggestions go beyond struggle, stigma, and compromise, showing how sensitive, informed stepmothers can take charge--and pride--in their role, becoming more effective and fulfilled.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0060970642
• ISBN 13: 9780060970642
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240