Blended Families--Special Children

Build a Happy Stepfamily

By: Andrea Campbell

Narrated by: Bonnie Trost

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Blending families can be complicated and challenging to navigate. The toolkit presented in Blended Families--Special Children explores the dynamics of stepfamilies caring for children with special needs and disabilities and presents the information in digestible nuggets ready for consumption by quintessential blended families who are juggling the demands of parenting.

You'll discover how to bond with your special stepchild and how you can recognize and embrace the differences, strengthen your family, and maintain a happy relationship with your spouse or partner so that all the children in the family unit will feel safe and content.

The 9-L model illustrated in Blended Families--Special Children explores the dynamics of stepfamilies caring for children with special needs and disabilities and presents the information in digestible nuggets ready for consumption by quintessential blended families juggling the demands of parenthood with caring for children with special needs.

Whether you have an established stepfamily or are in the early stages of a blended family, you can find value in the information presented. Here’s a synopsis of what you’ll discover:

• Launch–considerations for the early stages of your blended family
• Love–how to keep the love alive with your partner and in the family unit
• Listen–strategies for listening even when your child is nonverbal
• Laugh–techniques for building fun into your stepfamily

In addition to the 9 L’s, you’ll discover:

• State benefits you may be able to access
• The effect of challenging behavior on your stepfamily
• How cognitive disability can affect a child’s conduct

Also included is a chapter of real-life case studies from stepparents caring for disabled children. The experiences they share hold valuable lessons on issues that may arise and how they handled them in their endeavor to maintain a happy stepfamily.

The second book, Blended Family: A Guide for Stepparents outlines seven key factors that are often overlooked but have an adverse effect on stepfamilies. They are neatly arranged in the acronym BLUNDER - which is precisely what stepparents do when they fail to address or ignore the cited factors. Contemporary society is overrun with demands on parents who have to juggle various roles. But,if you pay attention to the elements outlined, the difference will be noticeable as you navigate this challenging but potentially enriching role.

And even if you think you've tried everything, consider these factors. You'll be surprised to find that these simple changes can make an impactful difference.

©2022 Andrea Campbell (P)2023 Andrea Campbell

Great guidance

Great guidance on how to make the best of a world that may be totally new. Both people are coming from different lives and with children. This book answers many questions. Narrated in a matter-of-fact way, this book will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for them. It may not be too easy but with this handy and great guide, you will be alright...more than alright!

A must read guide for stepfathers!

This book is an invaluable resource for stepfathers navigating the challenges of blended families, especially when children have special needs. This book offers practical advice and strategies to foster positive relationships and support the well-being of all family members. Highly recommended for stepfathers seeking guidance and understanding in their unique family dynamics.

Practical help w/ kids & step kids

As a mom of neurodivergent kids in a blended family, this audiobook is a lifesaver. It offers practical tips on bonding, managing challenges, and keeping the family strong. The 9-L model is simple but effective, and the real-life stories hit home. Perfect for any stepfamily navigating the complexities of special needs.

I will be returning to this audiobook on the regular as a refresher when things get hectic and I forget - because, let's be honest, we all slip up sometimes.

Great books with tons of helpful information

I love how this book really hits on the emotional and practical side of blended families, especially those who have children with special needs. There are so many things to take into consideration and it can certainly be overwhelming. This book provides great specific real-life examples and advice for dealing with tough situations. This is a great listen- highly recommend!

Fantastic Audiobook

This is an excellent book bundle about blended families and those who have family members with special needs. The books are extremely insightful and informative, with great narration too. The author does a fantastic job of covering all the types of issues and challenges that come when separate families merge, and offers practical and valuable guidance. I was very impressed with the use of the “9-L” strategy as well as various acronyms to make it easier to absorb the information. And the case studies give great insights too. Andrea Campbell does an amazing job. Highly recommend this for anyone in blended families who are also struggling with special needs issues.

Awesome book

You will feel more prepared and hopeful after listening to this book. It has many helpful strategies and real-life stories for blended families with special needs children. The 9-L model is a useful tool for understanding the resources provided. The book also has unique insights for step-parents. It is clear and easy to understand. You will feel more confident in your ability to handle the challenges of blended families and special needs. This book is a good choice for you if you are in a similar situation. It will make you feel informed and strong.

Incredibly helpful!

This audiobook is incredibly helpful for navigating the challenges of blended families with special needs children. It offers practical advice and clear strategies to build stronger relationships and create a loving, supportive environment. My family is not blended, but it was a very interesting and helpful listen for my family too. Highly recommend it for any family in a similar situation!

Covers Every Basis in Love

This is such a beautiful audiobook that truly covers everything you could hope to get from a blended family book. Like touching on letting children in the blended family make friends at school, helping them with social skills, learning how to be independent. Being able to better adapt to various situations with confidence.

This one impacted me greatly. Actions speak louder than words. Expressions of love are essential in letting your children know that they are loved. Because the family is more complex, they may need to hear more that they are indeed loved.
I highly recommend this one!

Blended families

Blended families is bit challenging to navigate but a good stepfamily caring with a good toolkit will help children with their special needs, which is greatly explained in this book.
This guide will teach you about the 9-L model illustration for blended families, and you will discover how to consider early stages of your blended family, how to keep love alive inside the family household, and techniques for building fun into your stepfamily.

Addresses a Big Problem

Since 70-80% of divorcees remarry blending families are the norm, not the exception. Parenting is difficult enough without the added complications of multiple step families. This bundle is both a concise or in depth examination of the issues and how to navigate these difficult waters. I like the idea that that both the biological parent and step parent may have different roles. Especially in the beginning, the stepparent’s role should be a friend and confidant to the stepchild, instead of the primary disciplinarian. That role should remain in the hands of the biological parent. A partner with kids is a packaged deal. Ground roles for this complicated relationship need to be discussed and established before the move in , not after the fact. This book would have been a great aid in establishing that prior discussion that was basically avoided in my own situation.