The word stepmother has gained notoriety over the years as it’s linked with one of the most evil characters in fairy tales. But it seems in real life too, stepmothers are not always in the good books of their stepchildren.
According to a survey, only half of all stepmothers say they have a good relationship with the children in their new families.
It also showed that over four out of 10 couldn’t say they had a sound and strong bond with the children they are trying to bring up.
Stepfathers, on the other hand, find it easier to bond with their new families as nearly two-thirds reported good relationships with their stepchildren.
According to the report by charities Relate and Relationships Scotland, 65% of stepfathers are confident of their link with their stepchildren, compared with 57% of stepmothers.
Some family researchers believe this is because stepmothers can attract greater resentment as children may blame them for the collapse of their original family, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Another reason could be that stepmothers are more likely to unsuccessfully attempt to take on more caring roles which children may resent, while stepfathers are more laidback.
