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Down from the Ivory Tower...real life uses

Customer Rating:
This book is well thought out...and that's the challenge.

Step dads want to know what to do now...not sit and read a long drawn out theory about step fathering and step kids.

I struggled through this book, because of the deep theory...like running in sand, struggling to get what I needed out of the book. Phrases like "...They may exploit this perceived unfairness to justify becoming more ruthless..."

What? Lets just say after a divorce, the patterns are interrupted and deal with them. Too many words get in the way.

There is a challenge to readers of this book to memorize statements and comments. That will make you appear fake...even if your intentions are right. Kids know. You job is to Connect! By being yourself.

With that said, Let me recommend you read Chapter 10, Chapter 13 and Chapter 25. Other chapters in the book are too much sand...too much theory.

Overall, if you want theory get this book. If you want something to use now, read chapters 10,13 and 25. Don't memorize it, be yourself and your kids will respond.

Really is a Five Star Book

Customer Rating:
I bought this book as a tool as I am blending my family with my new partner. I bought it for him to read, but it has been just as informative to me! It really explains things from the "step" father's point of view, and has helped me to realize the things I can do to help. It has also made me realize that all of the things happening in my little family are pretty normal. I highly recommend this book for a new stepfather, stepmother or even the biological parent that is blending his/her family!

Keys To Successful Stepfathering

Customer Rating:
Buy this if you are a Stepfather (or one to be)! I bought 3 books on the subject, but none came close to Pickhardt's book. He is on point. With loads of useful advice. I felt like he knew my exact family relationship with his examples. I wish I had bought this earlier in my relationship. Thanks to the author.

On the mark.

Customer Rating:
This book is right on the mark. It validated a lot of the emotions felt in this situation and explains how to deal with them positively. I would reccomend this book to any stepfather.

Extremely well written

Customer Rating:
I'm about to marry a wonderful woman who has 3 daughters, the eldest is almost a teenager. After a particularly trying weekend, I went to Amazon and bought 3 books on being a stepfather. The other books were okay. Then I read this book. Carl Pickhardt is very careful and thoughtful when choosing his words. Every word was there for a reason and carried enormous weight. The book was insightful, meaningful and accurate. The advice is valuable, but it is the thoughtful, no-nonsense insight behind that advice that is priceless. It is easy to read, but better than that, it grabbed my attention from beginning to end. I've made a note to reread this book every year. Good job Carl!