You're Not My Mom: Confessions of a Formerly "Wicked" Stepmother

by Kali Schnieders

Book Overview

An estimated 90 million Americans all know that blending a family is hard work. You're Not My Mom supplies insight, challenge, and the one thing every stepmother and daughter craves: a happy ending. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576837939
• ISBN13: 9781576837931
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: NavPress Publishing Group
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Offers Hope to Anyone Struggling with a Difficult Relationship, Not Just Stepfamilies

This is an outstanding book for stepfamilies, as well as anyone struggling with a difficult relationship. When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down! It draws on the perspectives of both a stepmom (Kali) and her stepdaughter (Elizabeth) - using journals that Elizabeth kept during her growing up years. Stepmoms will often see their own struggles mirrored. Kali writes candidly about marrying a widower and becoming a stepmother - making this one of the few books to specifically help women in this situation. Kali and Elizabeth's ten-year journey toward a positive and rewarding relationship - with all its ups and downs - is inspiring. It is raw in its honesty - discussing their family's struggle with anorexia during Elizabeth's college years. One of this book's key messages is that stepfamily relationships do not have to be terrible - there is hope that you can bond with your stepchild and have a positive relationship.

Linda@powerfulappearance.com

I could not put this book down once I got started. I am NOT from a step family, but my mother and I were jealous of each other over my father which created similar scenarios and heated exchanges in my life at home. We did not resolve our differences and I left home at 17. Even though both my parents have since passed on, I felt a healing inside because I have a gained a new understanding how my mother felt during that time. This is an important book for anyone who came from a difficult family history - blood or step - it won't matter. Gaining a new perspective and realizing there is a better way to handle these issues - that IS what matters - and what this intense read did for me.

Great for anyone in a "step" relationship

Blending families relies on God's grace and guidance and a willingness on each person's part to allow God to work through them. This book is filled with encouragement and hope as you see Kali and Elizabeth struggle on this long journey as individuals with their own ideas of what a "step" relationship should be, and trying to adjust to having each other in their lives. As they allow God to work through them and in their lives, they have grown from not really knowing or understanding each other, to trusting God for the outcome of their journey, which thankfully has become a journey they will share together. What a blessing this book is and a wonderful resource for anyone in a "step" family relationship. Although my "step" children are grown, this book has pointed out some helpful ways to look at situations I find myself in. I especially liked the sharing from both Kali and Elizabeth on the same event. How insightful this is. This book is an inspiration to me that as we continue to rely on God and the strength that He gives us, all things are possible!

A fascinating (and hopeful) journey for all stepparents

My stepson was graduating from college when I married his Dad, so I never really had to experience any of the so-called traumas of stepparenting. However,when I started reading Kali's book (as a friend, I figured I owed her that) I couldn't put it down. Never could I have imagined the poignancy and day-to-day (sometimes moment-to-moment)challenges that being a stepparent presents - both to the parent and the children. Kali's vulnerability is one of the book's best features. You get to see the joy and pain of stepparenting from both perspectives. It's not always a pretty picture, but Kali's faith saw her through this experience to a joyfully happy ending. This book is a must read for all parents, stepparent or not! Dottie Gandy, Allen, TX

good for every parent

I don't have a blended family but I still found much value in Kali and Elizabeth's book. Not only is it a fascinating story (I couldn't stop reading once I started), it offers insights and encouragement for any parent.