An Amazon bestselling book from Laura Petherbridge and author, speaker, and therapist Ron Deal, one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. Part of Ron's Smart Stepfamily Series of books (over 250,000 copies sold) including The Smart Stepfamily, The Smart Stepdad, Dating and the Single Parent, The Smart Stepfamily Marriage, Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily, and The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning. The stepmother's role often is ambiguous and underappreciated, and frequently it carries unrealistic expectations. The book answers women's concerns and questions, including: How can I be a caretaker and a key emotional connector in the family if the children don't accept my influence? How shoud I cope with children who are confused about their family and torn between loyalty to their biological mother and me? When should I step back in conflicts and when should I insist that my husband stand up for me? In addition it addresses the spiritual and emotional climate of the home, providing perspective and guidelines to help stepmothers and their families thrive.