The divorce rate for second marriages with children is significantly higher than for first marriages, often due to the "insider/outsider" dynamic. A stepmother who feels unsupported is a stepmother who eventually checks out. By prioritizing the partnership and defending her role, the biological parent protects the very foundation of the new family unit. How to Effectively "Stick Up" for Her
If a former spouse is being high-conflict or disparaging the stepmother, the partner must be the one to set the boundary. It is not the stepmother’s job to defend her place in her own home against an ex-partner. sticking up for stepmom
We love to throw the word "bonding" around, but rarely do we acknowledge how difficult it is to bond with a child who has already bonded with two other parents. A stepmom often steps into a pre-existing ecosystem with established rules, traditions, and emotional boundaries. The divorce rate for second marriages with children
So, how do we actually stick up for stepmoms in real life? How to Effectively "Stick Up" for Her If
If you’re considering defending your stepmom, here are helpful tips:
Sticking up for a stepmom is not a slight against the biological mom. Love is not a finite resource. A child having a strong, positive relationship with a stepmother doesn't mean they love their mother less; it simply means they have more people in their corner.