Most Frequently Asked Questions

As a psychotherapist and stepmother, I know from both personal and professional experience how challenging stepmotherhood can be. In my psychotherapy practice, I work with many stepmother who ask me to help them with these basic questions:

“What is wrong with me? I have worked so hard to be a good stepmother, to develop good relationships with everyone in my family, but none of my efforts have worked, and now I am exhausted and depressed, and feel like a complete failure.”

First, I explain to them that the reasons they are struggling is not their fault; they have done nothing wrong. Their failures are not a result of any mistakes they have made but are related to the many challenges contained within the role of a stepmother. I tell them about the current research findings on stepfamilies and how this reflects the difficulties stepfamilies face nationwide. For instance, only 20% of stepchildren feel close to their stepmothers—a staggeringly low percentage! So if a stepmother struggles to bond with her stepchild, she’s not alone—most stepmothers struggle with the very same issue. When stepmothers understand the realities of stepfamily life, they realize that their problems are normal, experienced by many other stepmothers. This information is a huge relief for them and helps them to reframe their struggles with more objectivity, and most important, enables them to let go of feelings of blame and guilt.

“What can I do to feel better?”

The main complaints I hear from stepmothers are about how tired they are, how much they have to do, and how little time they have to devote to themselves. I help them realize they have choices about what they do. They can regain their vitality in life by reprioritizing their responsibilities and eliminating certain tasks.

Too many stepmothers feel they must fulfill all maternal duties when stepchildren are in their care, and most husbands also share this belief. I know I shared this belief when I first became a stepmother, but I quickly learned that there is a fine line between being a good sport helping out my husband and taking on the role of stepfamily chef, maid, or nanny, jobs that required hard work yet lacked any acknowledgement or reward. I recommend that stepmothers and their husbands discuss their respective expectations with each other, and be clear about what each one is willing and not willing to do. It won’t necessarily be easy for stepmothers to draw the line, but I encourage them to stick to their guns by explaining to their husbands that biological parents are responsible for disciplining and caring for their children. Giving up some menial tasks doesn’t mean that stepmothers won’t have a relationship with their stepchildren. In fact, once they let go of the traditional parenting responsibilities, stepmothers can focus on having fun with their stepchildren instead, which may even improve their relationship.

In order to feel fulfilled and content, stepmothers must take responsibility for their happiness by choosing activities that will promote their growth and development. When stepmothers start doing things that they enjoy, such as seeing friends, taking classes, or playing a sport, they start to feel better. One positive action can make a huge difference in restoring their mind-set that their behaviors, in fact, do matter in contributing to their overall happiness.

What do I do if I still feel like an outsider in my family?

If all efforts to feel like an integral member of a stepfamily fail, I recommend that stepmothers join an in-person support group or an online chat room. According to positive psychology, the single greatest predictor of success during a challenging time isn’t intelligence or past experience but social support. Fortunately for stepmothers, more peer support groups and online chat rooms exist for them to join. They can receive so much help from the sage advice and encouragement of other members who understand what they are going through because they have experienced something similar. In my experience of running a monthly stepmother support group, I have been so impressed how members help each other. Just a little understanding and support restores one’s spirit.

I hope my responses to these questions can help you to be a happier stepmother.