In April 2007 (when I became a Certified Stepfamily Coach), 75% of step parents reported frustration about a lack of resources and help. They can’t say that today! So many are available, with more emerging quickly that I can’t keep up. So, by no means think that this is an exhaustive list.
My Favorite Resources
- 10CBF: a podcast for blended families: Joel Hawbaker’s podcast where he invites guest experts on to discuss the unique challenges of blended families, along with inspiring success stories. His 1st episode aired Oct 2020.
- Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships: book by Dr. Patricia Papernow, the leading educator on blended family systems and up-to-date research. She’s been in private practice since 1981 offering therapy for individuals and couples.
- Ellas Blended Family: A stepmom who has figured out how to overcome the challenges of being a blended family, Cecile Leger blogs and offers other support for stepmoms. FYI, the site is named after Ella, the esteemed (and notably spoiled) canine family member who won their hearts (and ours).
- National Stepfamily Resource Center: Statistics and a wealth of information and more resources.
- Secrets to Stepfamily Success: book. Comprehensive manual on why stepfamilies are complex and what can be done to be successful. This is especially nice for therapists, coaches, or other professionals who are working with stepfamilies.
- BuckeyeBonusMom: resource page on her website with a LONG list of books. Check out her Facebook group for awesome stepmom support.
- No One’s the Bitch: book by Jennifer Newcomb-Marine. Promoting stepmoms and moms building a relationship, her book explicates how she as a mom built a friendly coparenting relationship with the stepmom of her children.
- National Stepfamily Day Foundation: Facebook page recognizing National Stepfamily Day, Sept 16, founded by this non-profit organization. Christy Tusing-Borgeld shares events, links, and other valuable information.
- StepMom Magazine: an on-line magazine. StepDads, there’s plenty in here for you too! Although step parenting experiences are similar across the board, there are some differences for stepmoms vs stepdads. Yet, each stepfamily situation is unique in some way, so the variety here can help you over time.
- Facebook is full of groups for each person in a stepfamily regardless of your position, perspective, or unique situation. Search and find the one that’s right for you. 🙂 ♥
Parenting Resources
Supplement to blended family resources
Once you understand how to be a stepfamily instead of trying to be a first family, you can incorporate new parenting techniques together
- Fern Weis, Parenting Coach: A mom turned coach who now helps moms and dads learn more effective ways of parenting. In her words, “Becoming a Parent Coach didn’t happen by accident. It took a crisis during our kids’ teen years to wake me up to a better way to parent.”
- Slow Parenting Teens: book by Molly Wingate and Marti Woodward teaching 5 “slow attitudes” you can adopt to develop a relationship with your teenagers, which will also help them become more confident. Wingate and Woodward are both moms who walk their talk. Wingate teaches high school and college students. Woodward is a coach specializing in adolescent and family issues.
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families: book by Stephen R. Covey. You can also Google his blog, YouTube channel, and related material.
- Mommy Guilt: website featuring a couple chapters to book of same title by Julie Bort, Aviva Pflock, & Devra Renner. You can buy the book here too.
Legal Supplements
NOT meant to replace legal consultation, but to give you more knowledge and help
- Judith Weigle: The Amicable Divorce Expert, Divorce Mediator, host of The Amicable Divorce Expert Podcast.
- Win Your Child Custody Battle: instant download: 100% risk-free. On sale for limited time.
- American Parental Action League (APAL): Facebook group to give you support and help you find more resources. I highly recommend this for fathers who are fighting for equal rights or against Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS).
Other Places to Find Me
- My original blog, Sensible Steps on Blogger. Early articles and posts which I never imported here.
- Ezine Articles. My bio page with a list of articles I published.
