My Bonus Mom!: Taking the Step Out of Stepmom
What’s inside...
In rhythmic verse, My Bonus Mom! shows children of divorced families that a positive attitude can lead to a happy outcome and opens their hearts and minds to accept their own bonus moms. It captures the mixed emotions that children experience when dealing with divorce and adjusting to remarriage. The children work through feelings of dismay, fear, and anger, and eventually grow to love their dad's new wife, whom they come to think of as their bonus mom. The book highlights the benefits of having a bonus mom such as twice the attention, love, fun, and birthday presents. It also received an Honorable Mention at the 2013 Southern California Book Festival.
Age
4-10
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child
Stepmom
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the story felt when she first met her bonus mom?
What are some ways the bonus mom showed love and care?
Can you think of a time when someone new came into your life? How did you feel?
Why is it important to be kind and open to new family members?
What would you do if you were in the child's shoes to make your bonus mom feel welcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the emotions described in the book and relate them to the child’s personal experiences.
Discuss the concept of a 'bonus mom' and what it means to have blended families.
Encourage your child to share their feelings about adapting to new family dynamics.
Promote empathy by discussing the feelings of all characters in the book, not just the child.
Use the book as an opportunity to reinforce the value of love, respect, and acceptance in families.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and inclusivity
Explanation: The story showcases a child learning to accept and appreciate a stepmom, portraying acceptance of non-traditional family structures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diverse family dynamics among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book explores the feelings of both the child and the stepmom, illustrating how they navigate their new relationship with sensitivity and empathy.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider others' emotions and perspectives in their own relationships, fostering more empathetic connections.
Example Lesson: Adjustment to change
Explanation: The narrative addresses the child’s adjustment to having a stepmom and forming a new family unit, highlighting resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to new places or transitions within their family.
Example Lesson: Love and family bonds
Explanation: The book emphasizes the development of love and strong bonds within a blended family, regardless of biological ties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture relationships within their families and understand that love is not confined to biological connections.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Effective communication is portrayed as key in building trust and understanding between the child and stepmom.
Real-World Application: This can guide children on the importance of talking openly about their feelings and thoughts, which is vital in all relationships.