Knysna-Plett Herald | Don’t forget Stepmom on Mother's Day

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Don’t forget Stepmom on Mother's Day
15:36 (GMT+2), Tue, 08 May 2012

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LIFESTYLE NEWS - For many stepmothers, Mother's Day can be the hardest day of the year.

Even when a stepmother has a strong relationship with children, this holiday can spark complicated emotions and it is often dreaded by the "new" mother.

The day is often more emotionally charged than Father's Day because women invest a lot in mothering the children of their partner and in many cases it's even harder on a wo-man who doesn't have children of her own.

It can be very hurtful when a year of "being mother" means suddenly the card, flowers or chocolates only go to the biological mother.

There is a growing number of family structures where step-parents enter into the picture. According to the US census in 2009, 5.6-million children lived with at least one step-parent and 42% of adults have at least one step-relative. There is an estimated 14 million stepmoms in the US - many of who fill maternal roles at least part-time, when divorced parents split time with their children.

They do everything from taking kids back-to-school shopping to sharing driving duties. If a stepmother isn't shown appreciation on Mother's Day, when will they be acknow-ledged?

So if kids make cards for their parents, think about doing the same for a stepmom - it's more fun making two than one!
It's not a breach of loyalty to a child's "real mom", a stepmother can actually be a "bonus mom".

And advice to the stepmothers? Recognise ways your stepchildren acknowledge and show love to you - not just on Mother's Day, but on other occasions. It could be as simple as a cup of coffee or helping to make breakfast. Look for it in the actions, not just the card or flowers. Don't take what happens on Mother's Day too personally.

•And just for a lark - also remember those childless godmothers who were the source of fun-filled weekends when budget was no object!

(Source: Huffington Post)