Dear Stepmoms,
I understand that Mother’s Day can be a particularly challenging day for many of us, so I wanted to personally reach out to you. Whoever claimed that being a mother is the most unappreciated job in the world clearly never experienced being a stepmother.
I see you there, not receiving the recognition and appreciation you deserve today. I know you patiently wait, secretly hoping that one of your stepchildren will take a moment out of their day with their “real” mom to call or text you.
But the truth is, that phone call or text may never come. It’s not because they are deliberately trying to hurt you. It’s simply that they may not consider you their “Mom,” and Mother’s Day is traditionally reserved for biological mothers, right?
However, let me tell you something. Mother’s Day IS for you. If you are a mother to any child, whether through blood, adoption, or marriage, you deserve to be celebrated on Mother’s Day. Being a mom is hard work, and every woman deserves a day of appreciation. Even if your stepchildren are too young to fully grasp all that you do for them, let me be the one to acknowledge your efforts.
You are courageous.
You fearlessly embraced the role of a mom, a stepmom, without fully knowing what it entailed. I remember when I was 21, dating my husband who already had three children. It was a challenging situation, and I had no clue what I was doing. Maybe you’re still trying to figure it out, and that’s okay—I’m still navigating my way too. Each day, you navigate through the unpredictable waters, sometimes facing the harshest storms that threaten to capsize your boat. Here, let me offer you a life preserver!
You are compassionate.
I know that you’re doing your best in what can often be a difficult situation. You may face criticism from your husband’s ex or encounter negative feelings from the children. No one truly understands how emotionally draining it can be to be in the position of the “bad guy,” the “home wrecker,” or the “evil stepmom.” But let me assure you, you are not evil. Don’t let the hurtful words and actions of others make you doubt yourself. And let’s not forget about the unhelpful stepmom stereotypes out there. There is no manual or instruction guide for this journey. It’s tough stuff!
You are brave.
When relationships become challenging, it’s easier to walk away than to stay. That’s why second marriages (especially those with blended families) have a higher failure rate than first marriages. Many women would have given up by now, but you continue to persevere and make your way through. Bravo!
You are selfless.
You often prioritize the needs of your stepchildren above your own, and that’s a significant sacrifice. While you may instinctively do this for your own children, it doesn’t always come naturally when they are children from a marriage. It’s okay to admit that. Sometimes it takes time to develop unconditional love for another human being. But it will come.
You are appreciated.
Your husband clearly values you tremendously. After all, he chose to marry you, didn’t he? You are his best friend, and perhaps the ultimate compliment is that he trusts you with the important responsibility of helping to raise his children. You bring so much to this dynamic, and you should take pride in that.
You are resilient.
I know there are times when you feel like an outsider in your own home. I know you smile and hold back when the children bring up their mom or when your husband and his children share memories from their “old” life. It’s important for them to do so, and it truly reflects your character when you encourage them to be open and honest. There’s nothing more vital than earning their trust and allowing them to be their true selves with you.
You are extraordinary.
It takes an incredible woman to be a stepmother! I mean, seriously, who would willingly choose this life? But take heart, because it’s an immensely significant role we play. We have the gift of contributing to the upbringing of remarkable human beings, even if it may not always feel that way. I firmly believe that it takes a village, and a stepmom can be a vital part of that village.
Remember, you are not alone. On this Mother’s Day, let us celebrate you and recognize the love, dedication, and strength you bring to your blended family. You deserve to be honored and cherished.
Celebrating Stepmoms on Mother’s Day
Let’s acknowledge the significance of Mother’s Day for stepmoms as well. On this special day, it’s important to show kindness and compassion towards yourself. Engage in activities that bring joy to you, whether it’s spending quality time with your family or treating yourself to a delightful outing. Whether others express it or not, I want to assure you that you have every right to pamper yourself today because you truly deserve it.
I want to emphasize that you’re doing an exceptional job as a stepmom! You possess amazing qualities and play a crucial role within your family. Consider this message as a heartfelt virtual hug and a resounding high-five to acknowledge your efforts.
Sending heartfelt wishes for a fantastic Mother’s Day to an extraordinary mom. I deeply appreciate everything you do. Your efforts are recognized, and as stepmoms, sometimes all we truly yearn for is to be acknowledged and seen.
With warm regards,
Jessica
Hello, and welcome to my travel website! My name is Jennifer E. Sheahan, and I’m a passionate travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures. I believe that travel is not just a way to escape from the daily grind, but also a way to learn and grow as a person.