by Faith Draper

Created on: December 20, 2008

The Cinderella Story Gives Step-Mothers a Bad Name

We've most all heard the story of Cinderella. Her father passed away and Cinderella was left to be raised, used by her wicked' step mother and cater to her 2 step-sisters wishes and needs. This childhood story has left a bad impression on millions of children over the years. The reader is left with the thought that all step-mothers are the same, wicked.

You can read hundreds of books, articles, and reports on how to succeed at being a good step-mother. The fact is with the increase in numbers of divorces and second marriages there are all too many children who have read Cinderella finding themselves with a step-mother'. The best thing in my book is to provide both children and step-parents with an example that is positive rather than negative.

Step-mothers of the world I commend and encourage you to be a positive influence and part of your step-children's lives. If you are not an active part in these children's lives for whatever reason there is a good chance they will merely think of you in terms of the Cinderella story. I speak from experience; I was a step-child with a step-mother and from the very beginning thought of her as the wicked step-mother'. I even had 2 younger sisters although they were half-sisters.

Looking back now I was blessed to have this woman, whom I never refer to as my step-mother now as an adult, come into my life. This woman, my Mom, raised me from the time I was 7 and to this day, nearly 50 years later still my Mom. Although my father was in the house it was my Mom who nursed my wounds, cared for me when I was sick, taught me to be a lady, and helped me through many broken hearts.

My Mom did not try to be my mother or replace her in any way. She didn't try to be my friend or even attempt to make me think she was either inferior or superior to anyone. Mom was there for me. She made herself available when I wanted or needed her and set an example for me in all her ways. She didn't demand respect as an adult she earned my respect through daily showing her love for both me and others.

Our mother daughter relationship didn't develop over night. It took years and years but the most wonderful thing about my Mom is she never gave up. I am thankful of that now because I can look back now I'm past the Cinderella syndrome and see she was and still is a wonderful mother and in no way at all relates to the wicked step-mother' label.

After 21 years of marriage my Mom divorced my father. I was all for it.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>