On Being/Having A Step-Mother

Step parenting is like working at a late-night convenience store; all the responsibility and none of the authority. Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, author and publisher

I had a step-mother, my children have a step-mother, I am a step-mother. Although maligned in fairy tales, step-mothers frequently step into difficult situations, bringing a semblance of order to the family or provide a lonely husband/father with the companionship he deserves. 

As a step-mother to three adult children and eleven grandchildren who were born before my time, my main contribution has been to keep my opinions to myself. Now there are great-grand babies and the rule still holds. One of the sweetest Mother’s Day cards I’ve ever received was from my step-daughter. I keep a picture of it in my phone. See the card below….it makes my heart sing.

Affirmation: I can be a cool step-mother. 

Coaching questions: If you’re a step-mother, what’s your greatest challenge? To whom can you turn to help you handle your situation? If you had/have an “evil” step-mother, what will it take for you to forgive her (if you need to do it)?