| Help I'm a Stepmother |
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 Are you a woman who is living
with a partner with children who are not your own? Are you feeling tired, unappreciated, alone and sometimes even resentful that you gave up your former life for this? Did you realise how long it would take upset, angry children to adjust? is this what you expected when you fell in love? Do you wonder how long you will be abele to cope - and will things ever improve? Are you afraid that this family might break down too? Often money is short, time for each other is scarce, privacy is non- existent. The children are unsettled or provocative and their father sems to side with them when the tension mounts. Everybody thinks you are unreasonable, nobody understands. You feel overwhelmed, stressed and a failure. How can this be happening to you when all you wanted was to be loved and to nurture a happy family? Sonja Ridden has lived through these feelings and this experience. Now she counsels women who feel let down and exhausted in their roles as stepmothers. Her book offers hope. Perhaps you are the father - or a stepfather - struggling to understand what is going on, attempting to relieve the tension in your home, trying to find ways to give your partner the support she needs. You both want to make your new relationship work. What can you do? From personal and her professional experinece as a counsellor, Sonja is able to offer sound, practical guidance. Stepfamilies in our society comprise about one third of all families with children. To increase their chances of success it is important that they recognise unrealistic social expectations and to learn to understand stepfamily dynamics. There are many myths about stepfamilies and even more about stepmothers. These are not helpful. When the realitis are understood and the challenges are faced, a stepfamily can work and prosper. Sonja Ridden's book takes a fresh and honest look at the challenges of step-parenting and, in particular, how a stepmother can find fulfilment in her role. The author writes succinctly and with warmth. She speaks as one who has 'been there' and her book is refreshingly free of the tone of 'an expert's advice'. She draws on her experiences and those of many others to illustrate the strength of the emotions in stepfamilies. Her book is easy on the eye. Most people will read it at a single sitting. There are plenty of subheadings and lists of suggestions to consult later. If you are a stepmother or stepfather, this book will validate your experience and provide suggestions on how to deal with the realities of stepfamily life to bring you greater self-awareness, personal growth, satisfaction and joy. Reviewers say: "I can thoroughly recommend Sonja Ridden's book, which can save you considerable pain and heartbreak and enable you to (hopefully) enjoy your role as a step-parent." (Cyndi Kaplan-Freiman, Author) "Stepmothers out there will find this book affirming, insightful and a valuable tool in helping build better relationships in the family." (Relationships Australia) "This is a book I would recommend to all stepmothers and their partners. Sonja Ridden leaves readers with no doubt that being a step-parent is no bed of roses, but that there are also rewards. There is an emphasis on commitment - not giving up! By sharing her experiences (and those of others) she will help you navigate the step-parenting journey." (Stepfamily Association of South Australia). Now available through www.acerpress.com.au |
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