One Family, Two Family, New Family: Stories And Advice For Stepfamilies - Softcover

A 2004 Gold National Parenting Publications Award winner, "One Family, Two Family, New Family: Stories and Advice For Stepfamilies" is for dating single parents, stepparents and befuddled relatives of stepfamilies. Writer Lisa Cohn and Ph.D. psychologist Bill Merkel relate how they survived their first years together as a stepfamily, the most difficult time for stepfamilies, experts say. Weaving in stories from three other families, Cohn and Merkel discuss how they chose to unite their hearts and households, but keep their refrigerators and checkbooks separate. They tell how they and other families came to accept difficult children, learned to get along with ex-spouses, and abandoned fantasies about loving all children equally. The book follows four couples as they move from single parenthood to stepparenthood, and includes practice advice from psychologist Merkel each step along the way.

"Of all the books written about the unique struggles and opportunities of stepfamilies, none combine both wisdom and wit as well as Cohn and Merkel's articulate and compassionate treatment of the subject. One Family, Two Family will be an enormous aid to anyone involved in creating a New family." --Alan S. Gurman, Ph.D., Recipient of the American Psychological Association's 2003 Award for Distinguished Contribution to Family Psychology and Professor, University of Wisconsin Medical School

"Clearly committed to each other and to their children, Cohn and Merkel write a heartwarming story in a helpful "he thought" "she thought" format about their transition from single parenting to successful stepfamily living." --Dr. Margorie Engel, President & CEO, Stepfamily Association of America

"It's about time someone addressed, head on, the real problems inherent in integrating stepfamilies. What makes 'One Family, Two Family, New Family,' so meaningful is that it is written from experience--from Cohn and Merkel's own encounters rather than from authors who merely pontificate on the subject. What makes it compelling is that it is quite simply a great story! What makes it valuable is that its lessons are timeless." --Stacy D. Phillips, Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and managing partner, Phillips, Lerner & Lauzon

"In 'One Family, Two Family, New Family,' authors Cohn and Merkel capture the essence of the stepfamily experience. Through examples of crisis and heartfelt moments of joy, the authors offer narrative that helps lend understanding to the emotional minefield of stepfamily life. They share their perspectives, permitting you to read the thought bubbles of all involved. If you are in a blended family or are considering creating one, Cohn and Merkel present must-read insights." --Paul and Dara Volker, creators of Our Family Wizard: The Internet Parenting Planner

"I love this book. I like the emotional honesty and the fact that it’s a love story. What better way to address the pitfalls and realities of stepfamilies? I go for the book’s solution of one household, two refrigerators; one heart, two wallets. Families are not simple, and this book brings that home in a very pleasant, positive way. A very nice read, and of tremendous help to anyone forming a stepfamily." --Keith McLeod, publisher, Harbinger Press, whose books include The Ultimate Survival Guide For The Single Father and Where’s Daddy?