Mother’s Day is for stepmothers, too
Regarding Ken Potts’ column on stepmothers getting their own day like Mother’s Day: Please, please, please don’t suggest a separate day for stepmothers. There shouldn’t even be a separate card; Mother’s Day is for all mothers.
Does my one son get to celebrate Mother’s Day with me, while my other son gets to wait two weeks for Stepmom Day? Should my sister have celebrated Mother’s Day with my mom, while I waited two weeks to celebrate “Adopted Mother’s Day”? When my mom passed away and my aunt picked up where she left off, did she not deserve to be recognized on Mother’s Day?
Why would you want to put up that wall? When people ask for advice on becoming a stepparent, I tell them be prepared to give and give and give, and expect nothing in return. Isn’t that what every parent does? If you can’t do that then don’t step into that role.
It is the grownups who cause the issues, insecurities and mixed feelings. Whether you are loved by a biological mother, a stepmother, an adoptive mother, a grandmother, an aunt or even a dad who has to fill that role, the point is to make sure the child feels loved and protected and wanted by all.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the women and men who fill that role!
Joyce Adam
Elk Grove Village