Book Review by Margaret Moran – Coordinator of Parenting Programs, Centacare, QLD, Australia as published in the Australian Journal of Guidance & Counselling – Volume 12 Number 1, 2002

The book contains 22 topics and each is quite complete. The author includes the stories of many step-parents as well as her own experiences. These stories are invaluable in helping to “normalise” the difficulties of stepparenting. The inclusion of a “hints list” at the end of each chapter enables the reader to reflect, in a concrete way, on his or her behaviour and possibilities for change. This is very useful to help make personal links.

Of particular interest is the chapter on Grief. The author’s comment that “after all, stepfamily live comes about as a result of loss” is indeed challenging and encourages the reader to acknowledge their loss, and allows themselves to begin to grieve appropriately.

The inclusion of a list of “helpful services” and “useful reading” demonstrates the practical nature of this book. I would recommend “Hell…p! I’m a stepmother” as a valuable resource for stepparents, professional educators and Counsellors who work with this ever-increasing special population. I believe the material it contains can be useful to enhance and supplement existing programs.