Blythe Ward has written an exceptionally practical and helpful book for people riding the roller coaster of drama and adventure known as a "stepfamily" and if you are struggling with any aspect of that demanding reality, then you need this book! With a supportive blend of compassion and pragmatism, Blythe examines the challenges that seem to prevent many stepfamilies from creating a home life in which all members are free to thrive. She clearly sees all sides of an issue and provides countless helpful suggestions for ensuring readers can hang on to their sanity while they work through their difficulties. When it comes to a stepfamily, there are no easy answers. But Stepping Up to a Happy Stepfamily dramatically simplifies the situation and gives every reader the hope they need to fuel their dreams and stay focused on the future.
- Susan Crossman, Author of Shades of Teale, Content Marketing Made Easy, The Write Stuff and Passages to Epiphany and owner of Crossman Communications
Blythe Ward brings more than 20 years experience to her work as an expert in the art and science of building happy stepfamilies. Stepping Up to a Happy Stepfamily, is the culmination of a heartfelt focus on the topic that has endured for many years. As a stepmother, therapist and researcher, Blythe has a profound understanding of the challenges stepfamilies face and she is determined to share her message of hope with people struggling with the demands of managing an "instant family."
"If you want to feel more confident as a stepparent and learn how to develop practical skills to address daily challenges, this book is for you! Blythe has "cut to the chase" in delivering a book that will truly raise your awareness about how successful stepfamilies work... breathes refreshing, loving, and positive insight into the world of stepfamilies."
- Patrice McKenzie M.S., Ed. C.N.H.P. Therapist, Mother, Step Mother
"... the book the growing number of stepfamilies have been waiting for. It's the one book they need to help them navigate the complexities of this family structure. Blythe's book is a must read, practical guide that provides refreshing perspective and essential advice. Her focus on play, connection, communication and inclusion gives hope for readers and a helpful tool for one of the biggest balancing acts of your life. Enjoyable!"
- Liana Palmerio-McIver, R.P. OACCPP, Mother, Step Mother and Psychotherapist
"...the most detailed and practical guide... I highly recommend this book as an educational resource to any parent, or mature child, that is either in a stepfamily or planning to be in a stepfamily situation... an excellent resource for stepfamilies."
- From the Foreword by Dan Dalton Ph.D., C.Psych.
Crossman, Susan: - - Susan Crossman, Author of Shades of Teale, Content Marketing Made Easy, The Write Stuff and Passages to Epiphany and owner of Crossman Communications
Ward, Blythe: - Blythe Ward brings more than 20 years of experience to her work as an expert in the art and science of building happy stepfamilies. Her book Stepping Up to a Happy Stepfamily is the culmination of a heartfelt focus on the topic that has endured for many years. As a stepmother, therapist and researcher, Blythe has a profound understanding of the challenges stepfamilies face and she is determined to share her message of hope with people struggling with the demands of managing an "instant family." Blythe believes that a stepfamily can be a loving, nurturing entity. And the strategies she sets out in her book are focused on giving stepfamilies the best possible chance of success. The daughter of a bush pilot and his loving wife, Blythe was born in Yellowknife, NWT. She has university degrees in psychology and education and a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology. She taught children with special needs for many years, and after completing her M.Ed she established her own private counselling practice. Blythe's personal experience with stepfamily parenting came when she married a man who merged his family with hers to create a stepfamily of seven. It was clear that The Stepfamily was a unique topic area and Blythe jumped into an extensive research project to absorb all the wisdom available on the subject. She also focused much of her counselling on stepfamily issues. Today she continues to give workshops and lectures designed to support families as they create their own ways of thriving through the adversity of bringing two distinct families together under one roof. Today Blythe is pleased to advocate on behalf of stepfamilies. She lives with her husband, David, in Oakville, Ontario, and continues to enjoy her stepfamily with its next generation of new members.
