The Blended Family Parenting Kids with Special Needs

Nine Keys for Building a Happy Stepfamily Caring for a Child with Special Needs and Disabilities for Stepmoms and Stepdads

By: Andrea Campbell

Narrated by: Bonnie Trost

The 9-L model illustrated in Blended and Special explores the dynamics of stepfamilies caring for children with special needs and disabilities and presents the information in digestible nuggets ready for consumption by blended families juggling the demands of parenthood with caring for children with special needs. Having grown up in a blended family with a sibling with special needs and now being a stepparent with a child with special educational needs, the author has experienced the phenomenon from different angles. As an active member of the special needs and disabilities community, the author was also able to draw data from fellow parents of children with special needs to supplement the information. Whether you have an established stepfamily or are in the early stages of a blended family, you can find value in the information presented. 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.

There are various reasons why the union of two parents and their children from former relationships can prove challenging. Blended families face unique challenges, and when a child with special needs is part of the family unit, the learning curve can be very steep. Unsuspecting partners might discover that they are out of their depth in the circumstances. If not understood before moving in, the stepparent may struggle to cope and throw the family off balance. The text provides valuable tips and techniques for raising stepchildren with special needs and disabilities. It is written solely from the perspective of a parent who has been on both sides of the equation and holds no medical or technical advice or information.

©2021 Andrea Campbell (P)2023 Andrea Campbell

Perfect listen

This was a great listen, with this book youll find keys to building lasting relationships with new people in you family no matter what they are like. A must listen for anyone leaning to love people with special needs.

Help Is On The Way

The audiobook offers an invaluable perspective on the complex dynamics of stepfamilies caring for children with special needs. The author, drawing from personal experiences and insights from the special needs community, provides practical advice and real-life case studies. This audiobook is a must-listen for blended families navigating the intricate terrain of parenthood with special educational needs. While not offering medical advice, it delivers relatable and actionable guidance for creating harmonious stepfamilies. A concise and insightful resource for those facing the unique challenges of blended families with special needs children.

Super informative, motivational and empowering!

As a new stepdad, I picked up a few informational and self-help audiobooks to help me get in the rhythm of becoming the best stepdad and building a strong foundational family. I must say that this was by far the most helpful book for me. It really motivated me to shift certain mentalities and be able to bond with my stepson in ways I didn't think were possible. I'm so happy with my purchase and highly recommend this book for all stepparents looking to embolden their families, especially those with special needs! Easily 5 stars!

Great audiobook!

Lots of good information! Great chapters. Well thought out! Many Practical tips to use. I definitely recommend

Compassionate, useful advice

This was a wonderful book, full of both practical advice as well as a compassionate take on blending families- particularly families with a child with special needs. The author makes it clear that parenting someone else's child with special needs is no easy task and can, in fact, be very difficult. She also shows that it can be one of life's most rewarding activities if done right. I really liked the personal stories and accounts from parents who have taken on the task and succeeded. It is a book full of hope and answers. I think that all step-parents could benefit from reading this book. The narrator also has a very nice, encouraging voice. I highly recommend listening!

9 L's for living well with your loved ones

It's hard to imagine an affectionate blended family if you had not had the good fortune of being in one or reading this book. Yet, here, the author, using some rather memorable L words (that keep you from being an L :-)) shows that it is not only possible, but anyone can do it if only they launch thoughtfully, love fully, listen well, laugh together and learn from each other among several other Ls. Obviously the author's choice for naming each chapter was the highlight for me.

Keeping it Real while Creating a Happy Family

The power of someone’s lived experience says so much. I think this book is like having a mentor with you when you take those next loving steps of commitment to join your families and enter into the day-to-day journey of how to best support yourselves and your step-children with special needs, especially their psycho-emotional health. A rich and informative book with tips and guidance on cultivating happiness amidst the unique challenges that these families face.

The author’s experience and the case studies chapter elevates the book by sharing real lessons learned which keeps it real. I found the author's sharing of her, her family’s and her community’s real, honest, lived experience is helping to inform me as a healthcare provider on how to be a better support to those in my community, too. I definitely recommend this book.

The Blended Family

"The Blended Family Parenting Kids with Special Needs" is a heartfelt, insightful guide that resonates deeply with me as a single parent with a special needs child. Always wondering if it would be possible to get married and parent my child with another person. The book's practical tips and real-life case studies provided invaluable support in navigating the complexities of a blended family with a child with special needs. The author's personal experience and the shared stories of others gave me hope. A truly empowering read for anyone in a similar situation.

Amazingly helpful

There aren’t many books I have come across on this topic that give such useful insight into having a blended family. I am part of a family like this and have had a lot of things I haven’t been able to answer and deal with and this book has been great in helping me get some understanding.

Very helpful audiobook

This book is very helpful for the coming together of two families through the toughest challenges. This also will remind you how grateful and loving we can be towards each other and how no matter the differences between us we all can co exist. Must have book for building happy step-family.