Table of Contents
Introduction ix
Part 1 Starting off on the Right Foot 1
Chapter 1 Meeting His Kids and Building Relationships 3
Chapter 2 Helping Resistant, Shy, and Special Children 23
Chapter 3 Establishing Yourself as a New Couple 42
Chapter 4 What's Our Address? 62
Chapter 5 Custody Arrangements with His (and Maybe) Your Kids 73
Part 2 Day-to-Day Life 85
Chapter 6 Listening and Relating to His Kids' Biological Mom 86
Chapter 7 Sharing Daddy with His Kids 105
Chapter 8 Creating Family Rituals of Your Own 113
Chapter 9 Disciplining Stepkids 129
Chapter 10 Basic Duties and Responsibilities 147
Part 3 Achieving Long-Term Success 165
Chapter 11 Surviving Holidays, Birthdays, and Vacations 166
Chapter 12 Religion and Culture 178
Chapter 13 (Step)Money Matters 191
Chapter 14 When to Call 911 209
Chapter 15 Job Satisfaction for the Effective Stepmom 222
Bibliography and Resources 230
Index 234
