The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families

Nearly 30 years ago, coparenting counselor and child-custody mediator Blackstone (coauthor, Ex-Etiquette for Weddings) coined the term “bonus family” as an alternative to the word “stepfamily,” which often has negative connotations. Her new book guides readers through how to best blend families and coparent. She writes from experience; she is friends with her husband’s former wife, and her child once asked (and wanted) their half-sibling’s mother to go on vacation with them. Her book shows that the keys to having a supportive, cohesive family unit (comprising previous and new relationships) relate to communication, acceptance, respect, and empathy, which she urges readers to remember as the acronym CARE. She offers tips for dating after a breakup, moving in together with a new partner and their children, collaborating with an ex on raising kids, transforming mindsets, and more. Her book also addresses what to do when everyone comes together for weddings, commitment and religious ceremonies, and holidays—Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, for example—that can lead to tricky situations. She also mentions many other challenges that may be introduced to the household.