Stepfamily experts Ron L. Deal and Laura Petherbridge show you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom, including how to be a positive influence on the children and how to deal with conflict, as well as practical issues like dealing with holidays and between-home communication.

You Can Be a Smart StepmomIn today's complicated stepfamily, the stepmom often doesn't know where to turn for help. Let stepfamily expert Ron Deal and experienced stepmom Laura Petherbridge show you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom, including: · How to be a positive influence on children who are torn between loyalty to their biological mom and to you.· What to do when you feel ostracized, rejected, or lonely.· When and how to step back during conflict and let your husband take the lead.· How to handle holidays, adult stepchildren, between-home communication, and much more.Here is the hope, encouragement, and practical information you need for the stepmom journey."Finally, a book that is realistic and practical for stepmoms. I highly recommend this book."--GARY D. CHAPMAN, author of The Five Love Languages and Love As a Way of Life"With kindness, practical tools, and keen wisdom, [Ron L. Deal and Laura Petherbridge] walked me through the nuances of being a stepmom and gave me fresh hope for my stepfamily. Don't give up, friend. Help is on the way."--Michele Cushatt, author of Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected LifeRon L. Deal is a marriage and family author, speaker, and licensed therapist. He is founder of Smart Stepfamilies™, director of FamilyLife Blended™ (a division of FamilyLife®), and is the author/coauthor of numerous books including the bestselling The Smart Stepfamily. Ron's books, conference events, social media presence, online resources, and one-minute radio feature FamilyLife Blended make him the leading voice on blended families in the US. He and his wife, Nan, have three boys.Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker, frequent radio guest, and author of When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't", 101 Tips for the Smart Stepmom, and Quiet Moments for the Stepmom Soul. She and her husband of thirty-three years reside in Atlanta. She has two married stepsons and two grandchildren. Learn more at www.thesmartstepmom.com.