The Stepfamily Survival Guide

Author - Natalie Nichols Gillespie ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Paperback Book item from Revell was reviewed on 7-Nov-2008.

Search ISBN:0800759214 offer from Abebooks or used books from Alibris. The Stepfamily Survival Guide Reference Book. Classifications : General AAS Qualifying Textbooks Custom Stores Specialty Stores Books Stepparenting & Blended Families Family Relationships Parenting & Families Subjects Books General Christian Living Christianity Re . Click the following link to view the cover of The Stepfamily Survival Guide.

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1) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. This book should clearly state in the subtitle that it is written from a Christian perspective. There is certainly a market for this sort of book, as one can clearly see from the other reviews which are otherwise positive, and you would think that the author would want to advertise this book to exactly that Christian market. But that isn´t what happens. Instead, it´s marketed to step-families in general. I´m growing weary of books where Christian authors try to "hide" their religious perspective to the prospective buyer, only to reveal it in abundance inside - they do this to appeal to a wider audience, but it isn´t ethical. How would the other reviewers feel had they purchased this book only to discover it was written from a Buddhist, Mennonite or Christian Science perspective? Yes, perhaps Christianity is popular in North America, but it is by no means universal, and by no means the only "way" for a stepfamily to survive.¤

2) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. This is one of the best faith-based resources for stepfamilies that is currently in print. With this book, author Natalie Nichols Gillespie joins the ranks of first-rate stepfamily experts, including Rev. Ron Deal and Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie.

Life in a stepfamily can be messy and difficult. How do you discipline the kids, and who takes the lead in that? How do you deal with immature and/or irresponsible former partners or relatives? These and many other questions are addressed honestly and openly in this well-written book.

If you´re already in a stepfamily, or praying about forming one, this book can help you think through the issues and make wise choices. Very well done!

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
I also highly recommend: Happily Remarried: *Making Decisions Together *Blending Families Successfully* Building a Love That Will Last¤

3) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. While one could blame sky-high divorce rates on a multiplicity of factors, one reason is approaching a life-changing decision on the basis of impulsive, romantic feelings. In her eminently practical book, Natalie Nichols Gillespie spells out dozens of pitfalls awaiting second marriages, especially when children are involved. Then she goes further, listing numerous suggestions and corrective measures. The Stepfamily Survival Guide is packed full of common sense; I wish it would have been available before I married into a ready-made family. Likewise, this book can wave cautionary flags for people embarking on remarriage after the death of a spouse. Still, it will be most useful for parents with children who are preparing to make the courageous leap into "yours, mine and ours." And, to those who have left the cliff and are struggling to keep from crashing.









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4) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. Throughout this book, Natalie Gillespie´s reliance on God and prayer and total surrender of her steplife to Him is apparent and recommended. That constant reminder sustains weary stepparents and helps us gather our strength for challenging times. And while Gillespie doesn´t ignore any difficulties stepparents face, this book is extremely positive in its outlook and powerful in its message: you can thrive as a stepparent, and here´s help.

She sums up the theme of this book early on: "By sending his only son to live in a situation similar to our stepfamilies, I believe God showed his love for our stepfamilies. He might hate divorce, but he loves mending broken lives that are laid at his feet."

The author begins her book with the marriage - that´s what creates the stepfamily and that´s what must survive the toughest times. More vulnerable than stepparent/stepchild relationships, the husband/wife relationship will determine if the stepfamily lasts. Through this section and in all her chapters, Gillespie offers ´common problems to consider,´ and `solution suggestions.´ You won´t see yourself in every scenario, but you´ll be able to take her advice and apply it to the holes in your steplife.

Gillespie also includes discussion questions that focus on the future or deep internal issues we are sometimes too much in love (in the beginning) or too tired and overwhelmed (a little later) to consider. Throughout, the book is concrete help and guidance for stepparents at all levels.

Gillespie discusses the kids, including bonding, being a part-time parent and more, and building the fragile stepparent/stepchild relationship. She also tackles how to integrate the stepparent into the discipline plan for the family. The author calls for healing in relationships with former spouses and foresight and courage when legal matters intrude on your steplife.

The book concludes with a generous collection of Scriptures, organized by topics, including love, peace, kindness, anger and more. The author also includes an index of resources for stepfamilies. This book is one you´ll want to add to your collection.


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5) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. This well-written book by Natalie Nichols Gillespie is jam-packed with whitty anecdotes and practical advice. The author draws on her own experiences in a stepfamily with many children. Relating to stepchildren and learning how to love even those who don´t want to be loved are strong components of the book. The book offers advice on handling discipline, former spouses and co-parenting. She draws on a Christian perspective and encourages stepparents to be positive and encouraging to stepchildren and take the high road, even with ex-spouses who are belligerent or hostile. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter help stepparents explore their own feelings and reflect on how their own stepfamily operates. She encourages her readers to take a strong introspective gaze into their own thoughts and feelings, leading them to reflect on how they can improve their stepfamily relationships. This is a great book for new stepfamilies just forming and even seasoned stepparents.¤

6) Paperback Book The Stepfamily Survival Guide by Revell. Statistics tell us that one in three Americans is a member of a stepfamily. Though rarely acknowledged in churches even today, millions of Christians struggle with the obstacles common in divorce and remarriage. A stepmother herself, Natalie Gillespie offers hope and healing to stepfamilies who are striving to achieve harmony in their households. This handbook addresses the painful issues many stepfamilies must work through, including part-time parenting, discipline, issues with former spouses, and intimidating legal battles. The Stepfamily Survival Guide contains practical solutions to common problems and resources beneficial to stepfamilies. The author also shares from her own experience and gives advice and encouragement on how stepfamilies can both thrive and glorify God.¤

Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 5-Dec-2008, 08007592149780800759216, 560-120-9X0-140-570-2X1-8

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