Reviews (14)

awakening
This book was recommended by my therapist and after reading it I gave it to a friend who is also an adult child of an alcoholic.I haven't got the book back so I'm buying another copy for myself.I NEED to read it again and again. It opened my eyes and put a lot of the pieces of the puzzle together for me. Although it's hard to face some of the realities this book points out, I believe it to be one of the vital steps I am taking in trying to change my life for the better. It's never too late.

accurate and helpful
claudia black is a respected author in the field of addictions.she writes for adults and children for both alcoholics and their families.i have read many books in this area and she is one of my favorite authors.the book is short, accutate,compassionately written, and forever timely. worth reading!

Excellent Insight into Who I am and Why
I read this book AFTER reading ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS by Janet Woititz.Both provided me with insight into a problem I only recently realized I have.However, Black's book is both easier to read and has more detailed analysis.She divides ACoAs into four categories:The Responsible One, The Adjuster, The Placater, and "Acting Out".I fit the profile of Responsible in every way.I now understand myself better, and am beginning therapy for the first time in my life at the age of 55.Thank you, Dr. Black, for opening my eyes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Adult Children of Alcoholics    3. Alcoholics    4. Children of alcoholic parents    5. Family relationships    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Popular psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (25)

How To Inflame The Situation. Should be the title of this book.
One parenting acting like a jerk is bad enough. Advising the other parent to act like a jerk is not going to help the children.
Everyone should read this book.
I personally think everyone regardless of their status should read this book. It's a great communication tool.Very quick read; simple; easy to read and understand.Personally I've found it to be a great help in dealing with many different situations, especially in times of conflict, that have almost impossible or non-existant positive communication.
Poor title, good advice
I have often felt my Exwas being a jerk. But, I don't use that kind of language and work at not thinking in those terms. Because, the words you think affect the words you say and that influences how you act. I don't want my child to think that I would speak of someone he loves in that way.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child custody    3. Children of divorced parents    4. Divorce & Separation    5. Divorced parents    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Joint custody of children    8. Parenting - Single Parent    9. Parenting, Part-time    10. Advice on parenting    11. Family & Relationships / Divorce   

Reviews (1)

Thinking Before you React- A Helpful Guide to Parenting
This book is full of wise, useable, pro-active strategies for taxed parents. Excellent ways for planning and executing conversations about sex, peer related delemas, body-image problems, and discipline for the modern teen are available in this book. It is easy to read a chapter at a time, as various issues arise, and there are many comforting examples of mothers who have gone before you. Even reading the examples of what NOT TO SAY to your teenage daughter in response to various provocations, was very helpful. With all of the difficult moment to moment choices that mothers are forced to confront, it helps to have thought these issues out and taken them apart.The most helpful parenting concept I learned while reading this book is that it is vital to ponder and contain many thoughts and feelings, before reacting, when coping with a teenager.In an astute, good-humored, sympathetic fashion, Roni Cohen-Sandler offers us plenty to consider along the way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adolescence - General    2. Child rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Life Stages - Adolescence    7. Life Stages - Teenagers    8. Mother-daughter relationship    9. Motherhood    10. Mothers and daughters    11. Parenting - Motherhood    12. Teenage girls    13. Teenagers    14. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (29)

LOVE IT!!!
I received this book from my friend when my daughter was first born and started reading to her early on.She is now 22 months and loves this book.Every night she wants me to read her a story from this book.She carries this book everywhere with her.She loves the illustrations and when we go out to dinner this book does the trick to entertain her while we wait.The book is now falling apart so I'll soon have to replace with a new one.I strongly recommend it.

Excellent!
Product was in excellent condition when it arrived.

The Little Big Book for Moms review
This is an excellent source of information for new moms. I have given this as a gift at many baby showers and the response from all is very positive. It's just a wonderful book that I recommend for all...even not so new moms. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children's literature    4. Collections    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Literature    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Parenting - General    10. Parenting - Motherhood    11. Child care & upbringing    12. Family & Relationships / Motherhood   

Reviews (14)

Very Helpful
Well written, easy to understand with loads of advice and comfort for those going through the challenges of a custody battle.The author shares some of her own experiences and leaves you with a feeling of hopeful optimism.I consider this a must-read for any parent going through a divorce.I thought that her comments on dressing for court and behavior during separation were common sense, but perhaps there are some readers who would need to understand better how their image and demeanor affect a judge's perception of them as a parent.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone trying to gain custody of their children.

What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce And Cusody
This is the most thorough and informative book on divorce issues that I have read.As a divorce attorney, I am always curious to know what other attorneys are thinking. Ms. Smith's perspective and commentary mirror much of my own experiences and conclusions.The book is easy to read and filled with relevant, realistic examples and practical advice.I highly recommend this book to both nonlawyers, who have a reason to learn about this subject and to lawyers so they can refine and expand their knowedge of the divorce process.

What Every Woman Should Know About Divorce and Custody:
This book was a god send.It helped me with so many issues.I found it to be a true survival guide with advice that works.I purchased the book months ago when I was first separated.Now my ordeal is almost over but I still keep the book by my nightstand and refer to it constantly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Custody of children    2. Divorce    3. Domestic Relations Law    4. Family Law - Children    5. Family Law - Divorce & Separation    6. Family/Marriage    7. Law    8. Law and legislation    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. Legal status, laws, etc.    11. Popular works    12. Practical Guides    13. United States    14. Women    15. Family & Relationships / Divorce   

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Education - General    3. Christianity - Education - Program Resources    4. Communication in marriage    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family Relationships    7. Family/Marriage    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Interpersonal relations    10. Marriage    11. Religion - Educational Resources    12. Religious aspects   

Editorial Review

Did you ever wonder about the historical accuracy of those "traditional family values" touted in the heated arguments that insist our cultural ills can be remedied by their return? Of course, myth is rooted in fact, and certain phenomena of the 1950s generated the Read more

Reviews (28)

What you think you know may bewrong
This book provides exhaustively documented evidence that our cultural myths, such as the idealized nuclear family of the 50's, were not typical of American history after all, and that some of today's problems are not new. It's slow going for most readers (unless you majored in sociology). It made me look again at my own memories of earlier times of my life. The end notes would be helpful to scholars in American history, sociology or even social work.

Suberb and important work- Gets a grip on the reality of the American Family
Coonz dissects piece by piece the ideal of the "normal" family and lifestyle that neoconservatives frequently point to,as a solution to society'sills. Coonz's research is meticulous, and thisbook is a potentantidote to the fallacy that too often guides policy making in Washington and statehouses across the nation. i.e.that only the reestablishment of the "normal" traditional nuclear family is the path to our salvation. A+

Some interesting tidbits, but not worth the time to read fully
The first thing I did when I got this book was to look up what the author had to say about the Moynihan Report (thinking that based on the subject of the book the author would have many interesting criticisms).Alas, all that existed was a few sentence dismissal.After that I couldn't take the book very seriously and just jumped around to various things that I found interesting.Some things were interesting, others were foolish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Family    3. Family life    4. History    5. Nostalgia    6. Self-Help    7. Social Science    8. Social conditions    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Sociology - Marriage & Family    12. United States    13. Family & relationships    14. Social history    15. USA    16. c 1700 to c 1800    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (3)

Very good resource
This is a great book and seems to be very comprehensive in it's considerations for you to think about as you approach parenting.I think it was a good investment!

New Skills for Frazzled Parents
What an excellent resource for parents.Practical tips that make sense.The DVD is great too.

This Book has Everything, and is Easy to Read
I have read a lot of child raising books, and I think this book is very helpful as it succinctly covers most of (what I think) are the most important topics.It is 129 pages, though is fairly large print, has charts, and bulleted items, and is easy to read/ refer back to.It is written by Dr. Daniel Amen, a child psychiatrist.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Parenting - Discipline    8. Advice on parenting   

Reviews (2)

Great Anger Workbook
I would definitly recommend the "Anger Workbook for Women," Dr. Laura Petracek was excellent in way in dealing with inward and outward anger. Her recommendations and advice, and workbook style pages is a great ways to address you anger and also keep a journal to see your own improvement.This book is a great resource and a great deal!

Women Get Angry, Too
As a mental health practicioner and specialist in the fields of anger management and family violence, I highly recommend Laura Petraceks's new book.To her credit, the author does not minimize or excuse women's anger, and understands that whether directed inwardly or outwardly, aggressive impulses are highly destructive regardless of the individual's gender.But the author also understands that in some ways women experience anger differently than men.Her sections on anger and depression are insightful, and her discussion of PMS is straighforward and refreshingly un-PC.Overall, the information is presented clearly and directly, and the exercises well-thought-out and practical.It should be a wonderful aid to any woman seriously working on anger issues, whether she is doing so in an invidual, couples or group therapy setting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Anger Management    3. Family Relationships    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Women    7. Coping with personal problems    8. Marriage & relationships    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests    10. Women's health   

Editorial Review

Just what does it take to raise a responsible, compassionate child in asociety whose overbearing media celebrates and encourages violence, promiscuity,and gluttonous materialism? Dr. William Sears and his wife, Martha, a nurse,understand that instilling a moral code in one's children is among the mostdaunting, yet vital, of all parenting tasks. In Read more

Reviews (21)

Excellent Book!
I really am enjoying this book by Martha Sears, just as I have the other Sears books.What a wonderful way to help encourage our children to become the most successful people they can be!

Insightful, but don't believe everything you read
I love and agree with a LOT of what the authors have to say in "The Successful Child". However, the authors really push the idea that a baby must be breastfed and carried in a sling 24/7 in order to be "connected" to his or her parents. I don't buy that. I don't practice what the authors call Attachment Parenting, and my son and I are extremely connected.
naturally disciplining
I am from India and I ama product of attatchment parenting(almost all Indians are)...I now have a 2 month old baby girl...I agree with every aspect of Dr Sears philosophy about parenting.....As a kid,teenager and then a youth,I have always felt considering my parents' opinion before taking important decisions.It is true that I have not done many things I wanted to bcoz of fear of hurting my parents' feelings..looking back,I don't feel my freedom or independence was questioned in those times.In fact,they turned out to be good for me.But still,I disagree with my mom's opinions on almost anything and I have my own ways too.I believe attatchment parenting is what is natural and that is how to raise caring,sensitive children who havemoral values and will strive towards the bettering of the world they live in. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emotional intelligence    2. Emotions    3. Emotions and cognition    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family Relationships    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parent and child    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - Child Rearing    11. Parenting - General    12. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (2)

One of Two Key Books to Read if Contemplating Divorce
This book is one which I would recommend to any individual considering a divorce.One of the authors of the book, Stu Webb, is the "founder" of the collaborative divorce movement.The book should be read before selecting and going forward with traditional adversarial representation.There are several pros of the book are that it is written with one voice - despite being written by two lawyers.It is clearly written.The alternative book is the book with Pauline Tessler as co-author.This books is somewhat longer and more inter-disciplinary in its approach.The co-author is a psychologist.If you are looking for the book that is easiest to read yet, by this one.

Great guide to a great process!
Collaborative law is the new divorce revolution and this book is a wonderful, easy to read, well-organized guide.If you want to have dignity, integrity and civility when you and your spouse part, READ THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Compromise (Law)    2. Dispute resolution (Law)    3. Divorce    4. Divorce & Separation    5. Divorce suits    6. Domestic Relations Law    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    9. Family Law - Divorce & Separation    10. Family/Marriage    11. Popular works    12. United States    13. Family & Relationships / Divorce    14. Separation & divorce   

Subjects:  1. Family Relationships    2. Psychology    3. Psychotherapy - General    4. Reference    5. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    6. Psychiatry    7. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (3)

A Thoughtful Look at Work-Family Relationships
This book contributes to our understanding of the complicated relationship between work and family life.Based on an extensive survey of over 800 business school alumni, the book takes the reader on a thoughtful journey looking at the issues facing both working parents and the organizations employing them. Organized around six major themes, two particularly stood out for me.First, the authors make the point that work and family can be allies.When there is support for non-work lives, individuals experience greater well-being in the form of less role conflict and greater self-esteem.Another critical theme is that children are major stakeholders at work.Although others have made this point, Friedman and Greenhaus do a stellar job of describing the behavioral and psychological effects on children of having a mother or father deeply involved in work.Written in a clear and engaging style, this book is valuable to both human resource practitioners and scholars.

Insightful!
Stewart D. Friedman and Jeffrey H. Greenhaus conducted extensive research with 861 alumni of the business schools at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, both in Philadelphia. Their research yielded revealing results about the struggle of professionals to manage work and family commitments. However, Friedman and Greenhaus present these results in such overwhelming statistical detail that the average reader is in danger of being swamped. This is especially the case when the data proves principals that most people already grasp through common sense and experience. That said, we ... recognize that the authors have done working Joes and Janes a great service by aggregating numbers to back up the notion that it's getting tougher to balance family and career. As such, this is an important book for anyone in a position to set workplace policy.

Pioneering new ideas for integrating work and family
The dilemma that working parents all face as they succeed in their careers is how to manage their emerging professional responsibilities with their nurturing responsibilities for children. When family demands escalate, typically women scale back, or opt out of, professional opportunities freeing men to climb the proverbial career ladder. An authoritative new book, Work and Family -- Allies or Enemies by authors Stewart Friedman and Jeffrey Greenhaus, makes the case that it is possible for both working parents to pursue a career and assume full parental responsibilities - and be happy doing it - if both are willing to work cooperatively.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Careers - General    6. Family    7. Human Resources & Personnel Management    8. Industries    9. Social Conditions Of Labor    10. Social aspects    11. United States    12. Work and family    13. Business & Economics / Careers    14. Business | Management | Human Resources    15. Family & relationships    16. Leisure    17. Work & labour   

Reviews (31)

The Essential Book for Anyone Already Married or Getting Married
This book was published about three years after i was divorced and I didn't get around to reading it until many years later. When I did, I read it in a single night. It explained everything that had occurred in my divorce. Since then, I have occasionally summarized the book to other people and have yet to meet anyone who does not know one or more married couples who carried out the pattern described in the book and ended up getting a divorce. It turns out that there is a pattern which appears over and over again in marriages where no one is dyfunctional or abusive, but one person (the initiator), nevertheless, is vaguely dissatisfied and doesn't know why, but decides not to tell the partner and instead begins to carry out the pattern. Bascially, the initiator is bored and secretly blames the partner. As the author notes, once the pattern starts it is normally impossible to stop it because whenever the problems raised by the initiator are solved by the partner, the initiator simply invents new ones.At the end the partner has no real understanding of what has happened and is quite devastated, often for years. This book is essential reading for any couples getting married because if both are aware of the pattern, it will not be possible for it to occur. It would also be helpful to those who are married, preferably before the pattern has started, for the same reason. The pattern fits well with what the existentialist Sartre called bad faith or self-deception, since as the author uncovered, many initiators in the study were not even aware what they were doing.It would be a great gift for anyone getting married. Not reading this book is like walking along the side of a cliff blindfolded.

I keep giving this book to friends in the love blender
I found this book looking blindly as I was after a horribly painful break up. Since then I've given no fewer than three copies of this book to friends who've had their hearts ripped out and all found some solace here. I personally read Uncoupling cover to cover on a flight home for the holidays shortly after my three year relationship came to an abrupt end. Although harsh, it was a wonderful antidote to the poison in my heart at the time. It was surprising to me that a book of research could be more useful than a self-help book. By the way, unlike the (mostly) excellent comments above, I would like to point out that Vaughan actually does give a few suggestions toward the end as she analyzes the data. If I remember correctly, she claims that the "partner" needs to be conscious of the "initiator" slipping away (who is creating a parallel or counter narrative) very early on and must address issues squarely and head on if there is to be much hope. She also seemed to indicate that there was some kind of grace period (or in-between period) where the initiator has begun a counter-narrative (of what has occurred, who the other person is). It is during this period that the initiator is pulling away, maybe even cheating on their partner, YET, there is still hope for the partner to become aware and stop the damage. A slight limitation of this book (acknowledged by Vaughan herself) is that, for a variety of reasons, she had to limit her study to middle-class white folks. There ought to be federal funding for Diane Vaughan to expand and update this book(with an army of people like Kinsey) so that a blind public might begin to grapple with, if not offset this "emotional plague"(to quote Wilhelm Reich).Perhaps then we might begin to get down to the details, the gritty nuts and bolts, of the corrosive elements (within our institutions and our histories), that make us play out these heart-destroying rituals.

Quality Information
As many have stated, this book is not HOW to do anything.It is, however, quality information about what is happening and the thought processes that people go through when they `uncouple.'It is a sociological study of how people go about uncoupling and can therefore be a bit depressing because it focuses on unsuccessful relationships...not on the few who actually do reconcile.I found the book to be fascinating and saw many parallels with my current situation.I could clearly see the process that led my wife to have an extramarital affair and can now recognize that she was emotionally withdrawing herself from our relationship for some time before then.It doesn't make the realization any easier, but at least I can now understand how it happened and how I let it happen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Divorce    2. Divorce & Separation    3. General    4. Human relations    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Separation (Psychology)    8. Marriage & relationships    9. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (15)

Trouble?
My dad and I had problems ever since I started high school. Since I was the oldest of four kids, it was hard for him to accept the idea of me moving away...not only for college. During those years, he was very defensive and my adolecent attitude didn't help much.
Very interesting of how to raise doughters
I loved the book, it helped me to see things that otherwise I didn't notice about our culture and how it relates to the girls. With the book advice I will be able to help my doughter to grow healthy and strong

Great book for good dads
This book has help me value my daughter even more. I can now work on making our life experiences the best as possible. For being a single dad this book has help me to realize that I am doing a good job for being a dad away from home. If you are open to suggestions and learning more about raising a daughter and making her childhood the best it can be then this is a book for you. I grew up as a boy with three brothers and have no idea of how girls grow up. Thanks to this book now I do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Parenting - Fatherhood    6. Parenting - General    7. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships   

Reviews (3)

daily candy on my time
Loved being able to dip into this book at any time and read a little more.It takes all my favourite things about Daily Candy and crams them into one book!.

Daily Candy A to Z: An Insider's Guide to the Sweet Life
I think this book is a must-have for all women!It is full of useful insight, funny anecdotes and real-life know-how...

love love love
i absolutely love this book...quirky cute topics...gives you advice on daily things from money to being a good date or hotess...if you love their e-mails than you'll def want to buy this book...i can def see myself using this book as a reference in the future :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Conduct of life    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Fatherhood    5. Humor    6. Life    7. Personal & Practical Guides    8. Reference    9. Reference And Information Services    10. Family & Health    11. Health & Fitness / Beauty & Grooming   

Reviews (24)

Doom for married bisexuals
I came out to my husband five years before he read this book. He didn't believe I was bisexual, but the more often I tried to talk to him about the issue, the further he would shut down. Eventually, he read this book and decided that our marriage was doomed, despite that we had been together for close to twelve years at the time. Our marriage would have been possible to salvage if he'd not read this, bought the propaganda that being married to a bisexual was a disaster, and actually attempted to communicate about the issues both of us were having.
Life saving reading
No one ever expects to hear the words I heard my husband of 11 years say when he sat me down last January and told me he was gay. We had been together for nearly 16 years and have two young children. I was devistated. I went through (and am still going through) extreme emotional rollercoaster girations that left me dizzy. I felt every emotion nearly everyday. I didn't know which way was up. I didn't know what to do, who to talk to, who to trust. Trust was the first thing I started challenging in my day to day life. Friends, family, coworkers... any one I met I wondered if they too were lying to me. It was a destructive mind set that I eventually, through the help of counseling, got over. Like the book mentions, there is a moment when the strait spouse feels they've been pushed into the closet. Hiding what they know from everyone, pretending things are normal. Having been there, I can attest that that was a very scary time and this book did help me get through that and helped me rescue myself from the closet. 8 months later, I'm in my own house, feeling the freedom to have my own routine, getting on with my life, and we're divorsed but still friends. Most importantly, we're both happier now that we have been for several years. The kids have come first through this whole ordeal and we have managed to keep them on track that there is no shame in who their father is. We still do things as a family, after all, we got divorced from each other not the kids. we even do things as a big happy family with my ex and his partner. The kids seem to have adjusted pretty well so far, but I know the road is long and we've just started the journey.
I'm disappointed
As a friend, I know that Jennifer left a LOT out of her book. Like, the fact that their marriage broke up before her husband came out of the closet. She never mentions the Mormon Church, yet they were very active in it; her husband decided to leave the Church, and that was when they separated. While they were separated, they BOTH started dating. Then, her ex admitted that he was dating a man.
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Subjects:  1. Bisexuality in marriage    2. Coming out (Sexual orientation    3. Coming out (Sexual orientation)    4. Family Relationships    5. Gay Studies    6. Gender Studies    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Homosexuality    10. Lesbian Studies    11. Married people    12. Sexuality    13. United States    14. Coping with personal problems    15. Health & Fitness / Sexuality    16. Separation & divorce   

Reviews (4)

Good for all parents
This is a story that has no end even though the book does. It is a moving journey through year one of parenting. Reading it evokes the range of feelings that go along with having a child...no matter how old that 'child' becomes.

Why I'm buying this book
So I'm sitting in a West Village cafe opposite a beautiful young writer, and she's friends with a guy named Eli Cooper who seems to be living a dream life as a children's book author. He's just written his first non-watercolor-painted book on fatherhood, she has it, and don't I want to check it out?
Cooper hit the nail on the head
Here's the thing: I'm a mother and I completely recognized myself in this book about fatherhood. Elisha Cooper's essays about his first year as a breastless parent is honest, hilarious, and insightful.I alternately laughed out loud (cliche though that may sound) and nodded my head vigorously with recognition.Cooper owns up to a short temper (check), to stealing time by dawdling on his solo errands (check) and to not changing his shirt during a cross-country drive (uh, well, maybe not...). But his attention to his daughter, to what she is thinking, feeling, and perceiving at every moment, and his articulate musings on her future and on his future with her make me want to be a better parent.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Parent And Child    5. Parenting - Fatherhood    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Psychology Of Men    8. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (8)

Memories for My Grandchild
The book has tons of space to put family information and pictures.
Add this book to your Baby Registry!
My wife and love this book.The book's thoughtful questions lead you effortlessly through the process of creating your own family documentary.Now that we're parents-to-be (4 more months and counting), we can't wait to give it to our own parents/soon-to-be grandparents.A must-have addition to every baby registry!

A perfect baby gift
I just got 2 copies of this for my friend's new baby... or, rather, for the baby to "give" her grandmothers.Most of the other gifts my she received are things that she will grow out of, but this is one she'll have forever.It's amazing how the stories have engaged her whole family!The book is beautiful - I'd recommend it to anyone lucky enough to have grandparents with them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books/Journals    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Parenting - Grandparenting    5. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    6. Miscellaneous Items   

Editorial 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. Read more

Reviews (31)

Somewhat helpful
This book discusses a lot of the situations stepmothers face, but I felt it had a negative attitude about stepfamily relations. It addressed some of the emotions of being a stepmother, but it doesn't really give a positive outlook on how to improve situations. Other books have left me with a positive attitude about being a stepmom and emphasizing the importance of a sense of humor, but this book made me feel as if things will never improve...so why even try. It may be helpful for stepmothers with problem stepchildren such as behavior or criminal issues.

A must read for all stepmoms!
I can't begin to put into words how inspiring and wonderful this book is. I so wish I had read it BEFORE we got married. I could have saved myself a whole lot of frustration, tears and resentment. There still are those days when the stress level and anxiety are off the charts, but I feel I'm handling the situations better. I learned to pick my battles. I will survive!

A good read
Stepmotherhood is hard, scary and unrewarding sometimes. Burn's honest portrayal of what it is to be a stepmother, without the rose colored glasses, may be scary, but it is honest. This book made the bad seem less so and made me appreciate the good that I have in my stepfamily. Her wise words, honest situations and the real-life examples are the reality that any woman going into life as a stepmother needs to see. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Parenting - Motherhood    5. Parenting - Stepparenting    6. Stepfamilies    7. Stepmothers    8. United States    9. Family & Relationships / Stepparenting    10. Marriage, family & other relationships