As anyone who’s been a stepmom for any period of time knows, there just aren’t enough resources out there for women who are entering stepmotherhood. I often joke that I’ve read every stepmom book in the universe, but the thing is, that might be true. Not because I’ve read millions of books or something, because there’s just not that much out there.
But when I do find an amazing resource I absolutely want to share it! So I’ve decided to start a new feature here on the blog for awesome resources (books, websites, blogs, etc.) that stepmoms might want to check out!
This post contains affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you at all, but it does help support my site. Thank you!
Today’s featured resource is:
A Career Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Stepmom by Jacquelyn B. Fletcher.
My copy of this book is FULL of post-it flags and note-taking and I’ve read it at least a couple of times since I first got it in 2013.
What makes this particular book unique, for me, was the combination of personal experience and stepfamily research. Those aspects combined with questions at the end of each chapter – not just for you but for you and your partner to discuss – helped to frame the content around each reader’s particular situation. And truthfully, the wide array of examples and experience also just made me feel less alone in what can make you feel really isolated, especially since I read it when I was near the beginning of my stepmotherhood journey and wasn’t necessarily even sure what to think of all that lay ahead.
Noteable quote:
“To find out what role works best for you and your family, you must first sit backa bit and observe. Being a stepmother is an identity that evolves over the course of your lives together, so keep your eye on the big picture. You’ve got to work your way up the family ladder.
Let the kids tell you what they want from you, and see if that fits with what you’re willing to give. Because there are no known models for what a successful, generous, kind, and involved stepmother looks like, you get to create a role that fits with your own temperament. As time goes on, you and the kids will negotiate with each other until you arrive at workable relationships.”
If you’re looking for an awesome book on being a stepmom, definitely consider checking out A Career Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Stepmom and tell me what you think! Or if you’d read it already, I’d love to hear your thoughts below!
Thanks Grady. I have recently found your podcast and came to this website after. What I have heard and read so far has been SO validating. And it came at a perfect time.
Another great resource that has been helpful for me is Stepmom magazine. It is a monthly digital magazine that is great. It costs $5/month but that meager amount is worth it for the validation and ideas. The magazine’s website is https://www.stepmommag.com/.
Yes! I actually subscribe to Stepmom magazine! Super glad to have you here; thanks for reading! 🙂