The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting
A couple of weeks ago I reviewed The 4-1-1 on Life Skills – a book perfect for starting your kids on a life of their own. This week I am lucky to review another book by the same author. The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting by Michele Sfakianos, RN, BSN is a must read for parents raising a blended family.
I am a member of a blended family, my father remarried five years ago after the death of my mother. Although I have never had to live with my step-mother, there was still quite a bit of adjustment to having her and her family in our lives. Reading this book has helped me with a different perspective on managing blended families.
The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting is broken out into 26 chapters addressing topics such as Relationship Building and Roles, Bringing in a New Baby, Adult Step Children and Planning Holidays.
The chapter on Planning Holidays will probably be very useful to many step-parents. Holidays already create expectations and stress in even the most stable of families. Adding in multiple step-relationships may lead to more stress and hurt feelings. Ms. Sfakianos advice to “take on the attitude of ‘the more the merrier’ and everything will work out fine” is spot-on. And discussing expectations before the holidays when emotions may not be running so high is also great advice.
The book devotes chapters to legal issues such as custody, medical consent and step parent adoptions. The chapter on Same Sex Marriages and Step Parenting is also very relevant to current changes in society.
The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting will give readers in-depth information and understanding about the topics presented and will be helpful in opening up family discussions. I’m sure parents can also use the book as a starting point for finding out more information where they need it. I would recommend this book to any parent managing a blended family.
Leave a comment about this blog post and enter to win a copy of The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting. Comments must be left by 12 midnight PST on Friday, June 8th, 2012.
I would soooo love to win this!
Thanks for your comment Toby!
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a casting associate with a Los Angeles-based television production company that develops television series for a variety of cable networks.
Our company is in the beginning stages of development for a new reality series that will center on the day-to-day life of a unique, modern day blended family. We are now casting a large, blended family that resides anywhere in the United States. Are you an outgoing, dynamic family comprised of interesting characters and spouses that have children from previous marriages? We are looking for this generation’s wilder, more entertaining Brady Bunch. Although on-camera experience is not required, all family members must have big personalities, be comfortable speaking on camera, and able to legally work in the U.S.
Please see the attached press release for your review and consideration. We are respectfully asking that you share and forward this information to any individuals, families, businesses, clubs, groups or organizations that may be interested in being considered for the project and encouraging unique, individual families to submit themselves for consideration. To be considered, please email us photographs of your family (both family photos and individual photos of each family member), describe the roles or jobs of each family member, tell us your story and why your family would make for compelling television, what city and state you live in, and include contact information (name, number, email) via: RVScasting@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best wishes,
Emily Good
Casting Associate
Red Varden Studios
Hello Emily, Thank you for making this opportunity known to the Dot Girl community. It would be exciting if one of our readers was chosen for the show.
Sounds like a great book!
You really caught my eye when you mentioned the section on same-sex marriages. My wife and I are each step-moms to each others children AND we have this amazing familial unit with our exes which makes everything much easier. We are certainly the epitome of Emily’s mention of “this generation’s wilder, more entertaining Brady Bunch”. However, the daily challenges are still there and the added difficulties of non-supportive family members ways heavily at times.
Thanks so much for the book rec!
Hi Ami, Thanks for your comment and sharing your personal situation. I admire you and your wife for forging a family together in the face of challenges.
I want to win this book!! My daughter is being raised by her step-dad since she was 2, she is now 10 years old. Would love the book! Thanks!
Thanks for your comment Yolanda and telling us about your family!