The stereotype of the evil stepmother appears in Cinderella and Snow White and in the minds of most contemporary children, teenagers as well as adults. If “Happy Stepmother” sounds like an oxymoron to you, read on.
With 25 years of in-the-field expertise compiled with 19 years of stepmotherhood, Rachelle Katz, Ed.D., LMFT, has come up with a 10-step guide to a fulfilling new life for stepmothers in which she argues they can stay sane, empower themselves and thrive in their new family. Her book, The Happy Stepmother (Harlequin, 2010), is a comprehensive guide that helps any stepmother overcome the challenges and enjoy the perks of their special lifestyle.
She starts off by urging women not to have any unrealistic expectations and to understand the facts: the world doesn’t look kindly upon stepmothers. Stepmothers must overcome the stereotype of being “wicked” in order to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Katz also says stepmothers must make self-care a first priority, not foregoing their own happiness and “me-time” for the entertainment and contentment of the stepfamily.
Filled with other invaluable advice for women in stepfamilies, this book speaks the loudest through its personal-account quotes from women that are struggling or have conquered the challenges of stepmotherhood. Katz makes it clear that most stepmothers face, or have faced, similar challenges. Rest assured, if you are a stepmother you are not alone and your life story can still have a happy ending.