Description
Book SynopsisBlending Families responds to the need for a book that explores step-parenting by starting with the marriage as the central relationship in a new blended family unit. Just as you are better able to help your child in an airplane emergency if you put your oxygen mask on first, you are better able to blend two families if you take care of the marriage first.Starting with a discussion of attachment styles, the authors explore how those styles translate into the new family unit when trying to forge a new marriage while parenting tween and teen children in a family unit that is new to them as well. They provide parenting guidance premised on the fact that parenting occurs within a context, and in this case, a context that is unfamiliar territory for everyone involved. Using true stories throughout, they explore the variety of challenges that may arise, such as sibling rivalry, puberty, dating, emotional and intellectual differences, and preferential treatment, and offer suggestions for ov
Trade ReviewConsidering that 50 percent of families in the U.S. are formed by a remarriage or recoupling, this optimistic and realistic book will be a good resource for many parents and stepparents. The content is geared toward those who are considering combining as well as those who are already blended and facing challenges. The book is organized into three sections. 'Opportunities and Challenges' includes a useful quiz about adult attachment styles and helps you understand your own style and that of your partner. In section 2, the authors lay out the 'Five Things You Must Have to Succeed,' and section 3 covers 'Stories and Practical Insights.” In the “Do’s and Don’ts' list in section 3, the authors reach beyond their own expertise and include insights from marriage-expert John Gottman and financial-expert Suze Orman. Mullineaux’s own story adds a personal touch and credibility to the mix. Despite the large number of blended families, there aren’t a lot of titles on the topic. Blending Families: Merging Households with Kids 8–18 would be a useful addition for any public library. * Booklist *
Drawing on personal experience, professional consultation and research on blended families, the authors provide clear, practical advice for those of us who live in stepfamilies. The book will also be of interest to professionals who work with blended families. -- W. Kim Hanford, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia
This book combines the real-world experiences of stepfamilies and the expertise of smart, compassionate therapists. You'll find it a valuable guide not just to successful family blending, but to how to be married well under challenging circumstances. It's a wise and uplifting book. -- William J. Doherty, Phd, professor of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota; author of Take Back Your Marriage
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note: Trevor Talks about Her Own Blended Families—Past and Present Introduction: Who Needs This Book? Part I: A Spectrum of Opportunities and Challenges 1: The Practical Meaning of Attachment Styles 2: Understanding Parenting—and Step-Parenting—Styles 3: Key Challenges to the Blending Process 4: Step-Parenting Issues with Pre-Teens Sidebar: An Essay about a Half Sister Being a Whole Sister 5: Step-Parenting Issues with Teens—Risk and Reward Part II: The Five Things You Must Have to Succeed 6: Trust and Trustworthiness 7: Vulnerability and Emotional Strength 8: The Bridge to Empathy 9: Truth as a Gateway 10: Structure with Feeling Part III: Stories and Practical Insights 11: Challenges , Options, and Solutions 12: Advice from the Front Line—Blending DOs and DON’Ts
