Surviving Step Families

Description

An essential handbook for any step-parent or anyone considering joining the ranks of the fastest-growing family group in Australia. This is one of the toughest journeys anyone could ever undertake and the reality is so much more difficult than anyone could imagine. If step-parents replace wishful thinking with sound practical and evidence-based expectations, their journey will be easier. It is possible to get along with stepchildren, build lasting relationships, manage conflict and communicate in a positive way, especially with clear forethought, communication and time. In this insightful and reassuring book, Michael Carr-Gregg offers information and practical advice on the following: the special qualities that make stepfamilies different from nuclear families; the myths surrounding step-parents; defining realistic expectations and setting realistic goals; the seven great 'no-nos' of step-parenting; taking care of your own emotional needs; the special challenges of step-parenting teenagers.

Author description

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia's highest profile psychologists and an internationally recognised authority on teenage behaviour. He was the founder of the world's first national support group for teenage cancer patients, CanTeen, and has been Executive Director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne's Department of Paediatrics and a political lobbyist. He is currently a consultant psychologist to many schools and national organisations, including Reach Out and beyondblue. He has been a regular on Melbourne radio 3AW, the resident parenting expert on Channel 7's Sunrise since 2005 and a regular on its Morning Show. He has written several bestselling books on parenting, including Surviving Adolescents, The Princess Bitchface Syndrome and Real Wired Child, and is the 'Agony Uncle' for Girlfriend magazine. He has won many awards for his work.