Stepparents tend to get a bad rap. Odds are, your first encounter with the role was through the archetype of an evil stepmother in a fairy tale like Cinderella. The cultural narrative depicts stepparents as a negative force in the life of a child—either ignoring, taking advantage, or actively working against them!Monique Honaman is on a mission to change the narrative. She has joined forces with her husband, Justin, to write BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom! A Child’s Guide to Understanding the Role of a Step-Parent. The picture book illustrates the positive role a bonus parent can play, not to replace either parent—but to be a ‘bonus’ trusted adult in the child’s life. Monique has also written two books for adults on the topic of divorce, The High Road Has Less Traffic and The High Road Has Less Traffic … and a Better View.Today, Monique joins Katherine to share the inspiration for BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom! She explains the message of the book and what she has learned from reader feedback. Monique discusses her own experience, offering advice on how to include the kids as you build a strong blended family. Listen in and learn how to avoid competition between step- and biological parents and reframe the stepparent as an additional positive role model—a BONUS!Topics CoveredThe impetus for BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom!The messages behind BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom!Bonus vs. replacementNo superheroesValue wordsHow competition between biological and stepparents puts kids in an unfair placeMonique’s guidance for adults who feel threatened by stepparentsEmpathize with childrenConversation with bonus parentSet ground rules, expectationsThe pros and cons of bonus parents who don’t have kids of their ownWhat Monique learned in writing BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom!Applies to diverse situations beyond divorceWhy the ‘core parent’ should handle issues like disciplineHow the bonus parent can serve as a trusted role model in a child’s lifeMonique’s advice for putting together a strong blended familyThe common thread among Monique’s High Road books and BONUS Dad! BONUS Mom!Monique’s mission to change the narrative around what it means to be a stepparentConnect with Monique HonamanMonique’s Website: http://highroadlesstraffic.com/Bonus Dad and Bonus Mom Website: www.contenderbrands.com/bonus-dad-bonus-mom/ResourcesBONUS Dad! BONUS Mom! A Child’s Guide to Understanding the Role of a Step-Parent by Justin and Monique Honaman: amazon.com/BONUS-Childs-Guide-Understanding-Step-Parent/dp/1940237084The High Road Has Less Traffic: Honest Advice on the Path Through Love and Divorce by Monique A. Honaman: amazon.com/High-Road-Has-Less-Traffic/dp/0615375340The High Road Has Less Traffic … and a Better View by Monique A. Honaman: amazon.com/High-Road-Has-Less-Traffic/dp/1940237033Janis Abrahms Spring: www.janisaspring.com/National Stepfamily Resource Center: www.stepfamilies.info/Connect with Katherine MillerThe Center for Understanding Conflict: http://understandinginconflict.org/Miller Law Group: https://westchesterfamilylaw.com/Katherine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kemiller1