In the United States, more than 4.2 million children are living in stepfamilies. In as much as this set-up becomes a challenge to children, it is the same for stepmothers and stepfathets. They go through different challenges while being careful about their actions.
Last Sunday, moms were celebrated all over the world, despite the threat of the pandemic. Families found creative ways to keep the mothers of the families feel extra special on this day.
Although stepmoms do not expect such a celebration, a nine-year-old girl thought they should also be celebrated on another day. This Sunday, May 17, is Stepmother's Day.
Since the year 2000, Stepmother's Day has been celebrated during the Sunday after Mother's Day. Lizzie Capuzzi from Pennsylvania founded it. She was only nine years old during the time she proposed the celebration. What she only wanted during that time was to celebrate her Stepmother, Joyce.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 6 in 10 women are married to a blended family. They become stepmothers.
Challenges for stepmothers
Personal experiences and studies have shown that stepmoms have been going through several challenges. Whether it is a challenge with a child or with the biological mother, stepmothers go through a lot. That is why it is not a surprise that stepmothers have more considerable anxieties and depression. According to psychotherapist Mary Kelly, the explanation to this is the continual hostility from children, the passivity of partners when it comes to children's rude behaviors, and the sometimes loneliness that they feel.
Tips from other stepmothers
In a report from TODAY, stepmothers shared things they thought they should have known before becoming a stepmother.
For Naja Hall, the founder of Blended & Black, it all boils down to accepting that things will not always be the same. According to Hall, there will be days when stepmoms are leading ladies, but sometimes they could be a stagehand. There are also days when they will not have any role at all. She also believes that avoiding conflict with the husband's ex is necessary.
For the founder of Stepmomming.com, Kristen Skiles, focusing on her partner's relationship is a big help. She said, "What gets me through the bad times is remembering the great times."
What can be done for stepmoms?
This Sunday, it would be nice if challenges for stepmoms are validated, and they will have respect from their families and others as well. Besides, they deserve such praise.
Aside from this, opening up a dialogue can be a polite thing to do on Stepmom's day. The support that they get is vital, even though words can make them feel lighter.
The said day can also be a day to make new memories with stepmoms to strengthen bonds with them. If you have a stepmom, whom you feel to be extra special, giving them a gift that would remind them that you value your interests would be nice.
