Mother's Day: Don't feel left out, stepmom; you have a National Stepfamily Day!

May 7, 5:42 PMStep Parenting ExaminerTerri Bastedo

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Original art and photo by T.L. Bastedo

The 11th Annual National Stepfamily Day will be celebrated on September 16^th. This important day was founded by Christy Borgeld in 1997, and is considered just as important to some blending families as mother’s or father’s day. This is a time to celebrate those important people who come into ours and our children's lives.

Statistics show that one in three Americans live in a stepfamily, and more than 50% of Americans will live in a stepfamily at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of children are growing up in stepfamilies. Some call these families "blended" families. And making that familial transition doesn’t magically occur - it usually takes a minimum of four years or more for a stepparent to gel, or build a relationship with a stepchild.

Since "parental differences" is the #1 reason cited by remarried couples who divorce for the marriage's failure, it is even more important that you and your new spouse agree on family fundamentals, and how you can be a success instead of a statistic.

I have one stepchild and have a wonderful relationship with her. We were fortunate in that we bonded immediately, and she looked at me more as an older friend than a parent, even though she wanted to stay with me during storms. Secretly, it makes me feel good. Not all are so fortunate, however. Now more than ever there is a need for more information on stepfamilies or blended families.

Just don’t take it personal if your stepchild forgets all that you do on mother’s day. Your day is coming, and you should make mom or dad remember that so that they’re NOT left out on this significant day.

This is the day where stepparents are given the kudos they deserve. Be aware of this day, so that it can lessen the behavior/forgetfulness of the stepchild if both parents are paying attention.

For more information: E-mail Terri at tbastedo@aol.com.