The Stepmom's Book of Boundaries: How and Where to Draw the Line - for a Happier, Healthier Stepfamily

by Claudette Chenevert

Has squabbling upset the harmony in your stepfamily home? Well, then, it’s time to take action! The Stepmom’s Book of Boundaries is a definitive guide for navigating the ups and downs of unpredictable dynamics and relationship strain. Master Certified Stepfamily Coach and StepMom Magazine Contributor Claudette Chenevert leads the way with clear explanations, professional insights and solution-oriented worksheets. In turn, she makes it easy to carve a path that’s paved with healthier boundaries and enforceable House Rules—leading your brood to its own happy version of the white-picket-fence dream.“While setting boundaries won’t fix all of your problems overnight, it will give you the courage to go the distance!” – Claudette Chenevert, The Stepmom Coach (StepmomCoach.com)

147 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2019

About the author

Claudette Chenevert is known as The Stepmom Coach, a Master Certified Stepfamily Relationship Coach who helps stepmothers navigate the emotional complexities of stepfamily life with clarity, confidence, and compassion. With over 35 years of personal experience as a stepmom and more than 40 years as a mother, she brings both professional expertise and lived understanding to the women she supports.

Claudette holds a degree in Psychology of Communication from George Mason University and is trained through Results Coaching Systems and ACE Coach Certification Program, both accredited by the International Coach Federation. Her work focuses on helping stepmoms move out of overwhelm, resentment, and uncertainty, and into a more grounded and self-directed way of living within their families.

She is the author of The Stepmom’s Book of Boundaries and The Stepmom Boundary Blueprint, where she offers practical tools and honest insights on setting boundaries, strengthening relationships, and reclaiming a sense of self. Her writing speaks directly to the often unspoken challenges stepmothers face—feeling like an outsider, struggling with unclear roles, navigating conflict, and learning how to care for themselves without guilt.

Claudette is a contributing writer for StepMom Magazine and shares additional reflections and insights through her Substack publication, The Stepmom Coach. She also facilitates a private Heartbeat Community for stepmoms, offering a supportive space for connection, learning, and growth.

She previously hosted the Stepfamily Summit for five years, bringing together experts and thought leaders to support families navigating complex relationship dynamics.

Claudette’s approach is both practical and deeply human. She believes that stepmoms don’t need to be perfect to create meaningful change—they need clarity, boundaries, and the willingness to take responsibility for their own well-being.

Reviews

[Danielle Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been someone with muddy boundaries - at work, with family, with friends, and even with myself. Once I found myself in a stepfamily, the lack of boundaries became a disaster for me and my stepfamily. I was looking for a book about stepfamily boundaries and Claudette Chenovert’s book was just the ticket! Her personal note at the end was so relatable I could’ve written it myself! My favorite part of the book is actually the included lists and summaries at the end. I haven’t put them into practice yet but I definitely have lots to think about. I would’ve liked to see a chapter maybe on a spouse who is very resistant to implementing boundaries due to guilty parenting. It’s so hard to get on the same page with someone who is a boundary breaker and has little interest in building a fence. Thank you Claudette for spelling out all the types of boundaries - some have never even crossed my mind! I am interested in the boundary cards and some of your other products.

[Arianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Claudette · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a stepmom, I had a difficult time setting boundaries with my stepdaughters as well as with my son. I felt as if my hands were tied, in part because I wasn't their mom (well except for my son, of course.)
I wrote this book to the many question I had, to help my clients around their stepparenting issues and for any stepparent who's struggling with creating healthy boundaries in their home.

If you or someone you know needs help with boundaries, this is the book for them. Not only do I share my story as well as that of other stepmoms, I also have practical and down-to-earth advice that will help you with setting boundaries in your home.

I look forward in hearing your thoughts and comments about this book.