The Courage to Be a Stepmom

Finding Your Place without Losing Yourself

De: Sue Patton Thoele

Narrado por: Karen Saltus

A stepmother constantly sees to others' needs - those of her spouse, her kids, his kids, their kids. She also has to work so hard to maintain her marriage or deal with the emotional turmoil that can follow divorce and marrying again, that she may neglect her own needs. It's no wonder, then, that stepmothers often ask: Who's taking care of me?

This is where Sue Patton Thoele steps in, offering practical advice and emotional support in a new edition of her book, The Courage to Be a Stepmom. Much has been written about the nuts and bolts of stepmothering - dealing with a hostile ex-wife, learning to discipline effectively - but this book is the first to focus on the stepmother's characteristic emotional and spiritual needs.

Stepmothers are often expected to care for their stepchildren as a parent would, yet their efforts frequently go unappreciated and are sometimes met with hostility. Also, they are often targets of misplaced anger or are reminded that they are not the "real mother". Amid such stresses, marriages fray and sometimes fall apart. But according to Ms. Thoele, with the proper skills, women can learn to navigate the pitfalls, get the most from relationships, and meet their own needs.

Thoele's book addresses stepmothers' commonly felt emotions - guilt, shame, grief, frustration, and fear - and offers hands-on advice for acknowledging and dealing with them. A practical handbook and comforting friend, this book should be listened to by every woman who finds herself in the stepmother's role.

©2003, 2011 Sue Patton Thoele (P)2012 Sue Patton Thoele

Step Motherhood 101

This book offers insight to the myths of stepmothers and provides some reasons to why they’re disliked. The writer offers the ideas of support groups, patience, and a caring attitude to guide through this journey. The beginning and middle of this book was very slow at making the above mentioned points. The end of the book provided a very clear guide on the do’s and dont’s of being a stepmother.

Narration excellent

Some slow spots in the content, but an otherwise enriching audiobook. Narration was warm and engaging. I would definitely recommend.

Exceptional Advice

I love the concise and direct advice contained in this book! Validating and uplifting for any stepmom! My therapist suggested it and it has helped save my sanity! The narrator was clear and very easy to listen to. I would suggest this book for any stepmom!

Just what I needed

I'm 27 years old and a single woman who promised herself to never date anyone with a kid until I met him. Being with him is what keeps me in it especially when times get hard. This book helped me not feel so alone and made me realize that everything I am feeling is normal. Most importantly, it offers so much more advice than I could have ever thought it would. Definitely a great listen!

Must read for every step mom!

Loved this book! definitely a must read for anyone considering, becoming, or already a step mother. it was positive and eye opening and really shed some light on how to approach it all for long lasting results.