Sunday is Mother’s Day. Divorce attorneys long have recognized that parents play a fundamental role in the development of their children’s lives, both for the better and for the worse. Because of divorces, blended families have become common in American society. However, on Mother’s Day we often forget stepmothers. Stepmothers should be recognized for their very important role they play in children’s lives. Stereotypically, stepmothers are maligned in our literature. Who has not heard of the term:“Wicked Stepmother”. Women, who marry previously divorced men, often find themselves trying to establish the appropriate role as new spouse, parental figure, and participant in a blended family. It is sometimes difficult to be everything for everyone. Nevertheless, the majority of stepmothers are able to perform this role. So let’s not forget stepmothers on Mother’s Day.
A good book for learning more about these issues is Blending Families, A Guide for Parent, Stepparent, Grandparent, and Everyone Building a Successful New Family by Elaine Fantle Schimberg.
