Blending families: merging households with kids 8-18

Author's note: Trevor talks about her own blended families' past and present

Introduction: who needs this book?

A spectrum of opportunities and challenges

The practical meaning of attachment styles

Understanding parenting and step-parenting styles

Key challenges to the blending process

Step-parenting issues with pre-teens

Sidebar: an essay about a half sister being a whole sister

Step-parenting issues with teens' risk and reward

The five things you must have to succeed

Trust and trustworthiness

Vulnerability and emotional strength

The bridge to empathy

Truth as a gateway

Structure with feeling

Stories and practical insights

Challenges, options, and solutions

Advice from the front line : blending dos and don't.