Mumsnet Talk

Hello,

I've been thinking I'd like to buy a couple of books on this subject, to help me on my journey of trying to deal with some of my stepparenting issues and become a good stepmother. There are quite a few available on Amazon, and I wondered if anyone had any particular recommendations? Top results are:

- The Step-parents' Parachute: The Four Cornerstones of Good Step-Parenting by Flora McEvedy
- Relate Guide To Step Families: Living Successfully with Other People's Children (Relate Guides) by Suzie Hayman
- How to be a Happy Stepmum by Dr Lisa Doodson
- The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying a Man, His Kids, and His Ex-Wife: Becoming a Stepmother with Humor and Grace by Sally Bjornsen
- Stepmotherhood by Cherie Burns
- Step-parent's Survival Guide: Positive Advice for Achieving a Successful Step-family by Hilary Boyd

I have read the first of those and a few others. By far the most helpful book I have read is StepMonster by Wednesday Martin. I recommend this to anyone who asks.

'Stepcoupling' by Susie Wisdom is very good.

DH and I also found the Complete Idiots' Guide to Stepparenting to have some good tips, although the writing style is a bit irritating.

I really liked the Sally Bjornsen one. Her style is positive and humorous and she presents step-parenting as something which can ultimately be enjoyable and beneficial for all parties, whereas some of the ones I read seemed more about how to survive without cracking up...

The Step-parents Parachute is a bit annoying and moany! I have bought it for my partner who is step parenting my son but am reading it myself to make sure I am being as supportive as possible. Goodness knows, i could occasionally scream so have to make sure that he has support because he doesn't have the biological link either. Can anyone recommend any books that are aimed at step dads in particular please?