I wanted to share a self-help book for parents with you called The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families by Jann Blackstone (Author). I received a copy of in exchange for this review. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products you purchase.
When my Ex and I got married I became a “bonus parent” for the first time and its hard knowing what your place is in the children’s lives. I wish I had a copy of this book because it would have made it so much easier when Everett and I got divorced and I married David.
Once again I became a bonus parent and David would have been one as well if Suzzane had still been alive. To prepare myself for the future because David’s kids are now having kids I’m still the “bonus parent” but now the “bonus grandparent” as well.
Through the book I’ve learned how to navigate with things I didn’t know how to handed when David’s kids was smaller. Not only that there was things inside The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families which has helped me with Charlie and his friends.
No, matter the age of the children your dealing with and it doesn’t matter if there your bio- children or bonus children as long as you keep a open mind you will learn how to change your parenting habits and become a better parent.
About the book:
“This diplomatic guide offers advice on how parents can navigate caring for a blended family…. Blackstone packs this encyclopedic manual full of insight.” -Publishers Weekly
“This definitive practical guide addresses nearly every situation that bonus families might experience.” – Library Journal
An essential resource for today’s integrated families
Imagine you’re in a heated argument. Your kids have decided that they don’t want to go back to your ex’s home, and your ex isn’t having it. Meanwhile, your new partner is squirming uncomfortably in the other room. What do you do? How do you stop the madness and come together to find the best solution for everyone?
The Bonus Family Handbook introduces readers to a completely new approach to co-parenting and blending families. Until now, parents have been told that once there’s been a break-up, they become autonomous, single parents, and can make decisions for their children on their own. But that’s not true. That’s not real life. That “old school” break-up attitude offers no direction for co-parenting.
The Bonus Family Handbook changes all that. It helps even the most contentious parents learn how to work together in the name of their children, teaching them how to apply practical co-parenting techniques so that they will be able to form a supportive, loving family.
The Bonus Family Handbook also recognizes the importance of incorporating new partners into the mix—of bringing in Bonus Moms and Bonus Dads—and empowering them to make decisions for the safety and well-being of the children. With its emphasis on positive, collaborative co-parenting, this book is an essential resource for today’s integrated families.
Meet the Author: Jann Blackstone
Dr. Jann Blackstone specializes in divorce, child custody, co-parenting, and stepfamily mediation and is often called the “Relationship Expert for Today’s Relationships” because of her “real life, down-to-earth” approach to relationship problem solving.
Dr. Blackstone coined the term, “bonus,” as in “bonus family” or “bonus parent,” over 25 years ago to address the negative connotation associated with living as a stepfamily. She is the author of many books on divorce and parenting and a frequent guest or consultant on television and radio talk shows. The Today Show (NBC), Keeping Kids Healthy (PBS), and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
