by Ericka Lutz.
I heard about this book quite sometime ago, in fact someone in New Zealand told me. It was quite by chance that I was able to obtain a copy of the book, and very pleased that I was able to. The book has been around for a few years, but I have been informed by the Australian distributors that it has not sold well here in Australia. I must admit I was quite surprised by that for I have found the book to be an excellent resource.

What are others saying about the book?
From the dreaded first meeting to the “getting to know you, getting to know all about you” stage, stepparents are given reassuring advice on dealing with their stepchildren. Tips on dealing with stepsibling rivalry, coping with teenagers, and cooperating with birth parents and grandparents, all keep stepparents from running away from home. Features disciplining do’s and don’ts, help for holiday conflicts, and legal advice regarding the stepparent s responsibilities. Sections devoted to the “Cinderella Syndrome” are especially comforting for all stepmothers.

The “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Stepparenting” by Erica Lutz. It’s a great book, easy to read in the complete idiots series style with boxes and highlighted points. Best of all the author is both a stepparent and (later) a parent and is both positive and practical. Unlike many books it doesn’t assume much and covers most situations -one parent with kids, blended families, non-custodial stepparents, stepgrandparents, “unexpected” stepparenting (where you get up one morning and find your partner’s previously distant teenager has moved in), gay stepparenting, step to adult children, etc.

A really useful book to read at the beginning of a relationship/ family establishment, or when those unexpected things come up later. (Website Member)

This guide provides plenty of information on how it feels and what it means to be a stepparent… This is the book to own. Read it before the wedding and you’ll find it an indispensable book thereafter.” Margorie Engel Stepfamily Association of America.

The chapters are short, quick, easy to read. They don’t harp on the evil stepparent or evil stepchild. They point out where to begin, where to start, and when to back off.