Table of Contents
Section 1 The Smart Stepmom: Who Is She?
Introduction 13
Chapter 1 Can You Hear Me Now? 19
Chapter 2 Can I Run Away From Home? 33
Chapter 3 The Wicked Stepmother: Did Disney Have Me in Mind? 51
Chapter 4 Understanding His Kids (Part 1): Loss, Grief, and Troubling Emotions 65
Chapter 5 Understanding His Kids (Part 2): Loyalty 83
Chapter 6 Partnering: Stepparenting Beside the Engaged or Disengaged Father 102
Section 2 Getting Smart: The Stepparenting Team
Chapter 7 Dad Smart (Part 1): She Can't Do It Without You 125
Chapter 8 Dad Smart (Part 2): Pitfalls and Good Intentions 140
Chapter 9 Meet Your Ex-Wife-in-Law: Friend or Foe? 155
Chapter 30 Understanding Your Kids: What Do They Need? 176
Chapter 11 Kodak Moments: Vacations, Holidays, Mother's Day, and Special Occasions 194
Chapter 12 Adult Stepchildren 216
Chapter 13 Baby Steps: Should We Have an "Ours" Baby? 241
Chapter 14 Smart Love 256