Finding Comfort and Understanding in Blended Families:
A Stepmother's Perspective
Stepmother Coach Claudette Chenevert discusses the importance of representation in children's books and how stories can help young people navigate the complexities of blended families.
I'm very excited to be reading this month’s issue of StepMom Magazine. And here's why.
Let's start with Brenda's message that we're not alone – at least not in today's world. We have access to forums, groups, and The StepMom Magazine, which has so many great articles to help us in blended families. We read stories from stepmoms similar to us about their journey and ways to overcome, at least in part, what's been hard for them. Sharing stories helps us navigate how to manage being a stepmom. And that's why I find my interview with Rachel Brace interesting.
I met Rachel via Instagram while posting about the lack of children's books for stepkids. A stepmom and her partner asked me if I knew any books for stepchildren. I only knew of a few but not a lot. I told the couple that I'd let them know what I'd find. As I put out my query about children's books about stepfamily, Rachel responded that she is an author of children living as a stepfamily and divorced families. That's why it's so interesting to meet people on social media like this.
All my life, I knew the power stories have on us. They help us live vicariously through other people's adventures, sometimes allowing us to escape what we're going through. In other cases, stories help us understand what's normal or not in our lives. That's why Rachel decided to write picture books for kids so that they could make sense of their own lives.
As Rachel mentioned in my interview for StepMom Magazine, stepfamilies are one of the fastest-growing family types worldwide. Yet, not many books (or movies for that matter) represent blended families in a positive light. When we can showcase a broader range of family types, this helps children to feel normal. It also helps parents answer some of the questions they may find complicated or difficult to answer. It's about not feeling alone in our journey as a blended family.
Rachel's two picture books for children between the ages of 4 to 9:
The first one is Harriet's Expanding Heart
This story shares Harriet's emotional experiences when her dad remarries and creates a stepfamily. This book helps children (and adults) explore, name, and understand the various feelings they might feel as a result of coming together following a divorce.
The next book is called Max's Divorce Earthquake
Max is shattered when his parents tell him they are getting a divorce. This feels like an earthquake to him, and he's not sure what to do. This book is geared toward young children whose parents are divorced or separated.
What's great about these books is that they include guides to help parents, stepparents, family members, and therapeutic professionals address these emotions that children face.
What's great about these books is that they include guides to help parents, stepparents, family members, and therapeutic professionals address these emotions that children face.
I also did a podcast with Rachel which you can listen to here.
If you have stepchildren and would like to read the positive stories, be sure to read this month's issue of StepMom Magazine to learn more about Rachel and the work she does. You can also order your copy of the children's books at Kinshipbooks.com.
If you have children's books that you'd love to suggest and have me review them, comment below and I'll be glad to get back to you to learn more about your book. If you've read these books, I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.
NOTE: Want to use this article for your blog, e-zine or Web Site? You are welcome to reprint this entire article verbatim if you include the following: “Claudette Chenevert is the Stepmom Coach and founder of Claudette Chenevert LLC. Claudette helps stepmoms navigate the nontraditional path of stepparenthood. Get your tools for creating the family life of your dreams by visiting https://stepmomcoach.com/ Claudette Chenevert, Claudette Chenevert LLC.”
Since I last wrote this post, I've interview three more authors who wrote about stepmoms and their journey. You can view our interview below. This is from our 2024 Stepfamily Summit.