The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive – First Edition

Navigating the unique challenges of being a stepmom? Laura Petherbridge and Ron Deal offer practical wisdom and guidance.

In The Smart Stepmom, Laura Petherbridge and Ron Deal, leading experts on blended families, dive into the nuanced and often underappreciated role of the stepmother. This essential resource addresses common questions and struggles stepmoms face, such as building a connection with stepchildren, balancing loyalty conflicts, and knowing when to step back—or when to stand firm. Part of the bestselling Smart Stepfamily series, The Smart Stepmom offers a blend of emotional and spiritual insights, helping stepmoms and their families not only survive, but thrive in the midst of blending lives and hearts.

Laura Petherbridge serves couples and single adults through her U.S. and international speaking opportunities. Laura is the stepmom to two sons whom she began parenting when they were 11 and 13. Laura has been a stepmom since she married her husband more than 25 years ago. Visit her website at TheSmartStepmom.com.

Ron L. Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended™ and President of SmartStepfamilies.com. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage and stepfamily enrichment. Ron is author of the bestselling book and DVD curriculum The Smart Stepfamily and author/coauthor of The Smart Stepmom, The Smart Stepdad, and The Remarriage Checkup.

He has extensive experience training pastors, ministry leaders, and counselors and has appeared on dozens of national radio and TV broadcasts in the US, Canada, and the UK. Ron is considered a leading voice in stepfamily education and ministry and in the prevention of redivorce. He and his wife, Nan, have been married since 1986 and have three boys. For more information visit RonDeal.org.