I’m not a childless stepmom. But I have the greatest respect for those of you who are.
For many years, I didn’t give much thought to what it would feel like to be a childless stepmom. But after talking to several of you and watching how you do life, I realize the ultimate sacrifice you make as a stepmom without children of your own.
We know that a stepmom doesn’t get to experience the “firsts” of a biological mom. The first one to have a child with your husband. The first one to experience parenting with your spouse and your baby. The first one to make any kind of a decision regarding that child and a host of decisions later.
But a childless stepmom never gets to experience those events or realize the joy of having a biological child, even if it’s from a previous relationship.
Many childless stepmoms I’ve spoken with are not childless by choice. Infertility plays a role all too often. And the roller coaster of trying to conceive takes a heavy toll every time.
If you’re struggling with infertility or any kind of extended wait, you might find comfort from a devotion posted by Tracies Mills with Proverbs 31 Ministries, titled “Waiting for God’s Best.” It speaks of the 20 year wait Isaac endured before his wife, Rebekah, gave birth to their twins (Genesis 25:26). Waiting is hard. And waiting without answers can be unbearable.
A childless stepmom faces different challenges than a stepmom with her own children. She is misunderstood by the parenting community and perhaps not even accepted by other moms. She endures the same parenting challenges but receives little reward for her efforts.
So if you’re a childless stepmom, I affirm you in your role. God bless you in your efforts to make a difference in your stepchildren’s lives. And although others may not appreciate or recognize the important role you play, you can be assured that you, as a stepmom, have value.
Are you struggling in your role as a childless stepmom? Do you need to reach out to other stepmoms? Will you share how you cope with the challenges you encounter?
I am a childless stepmom. My husband has two daughters, two different mothers. One he was married to, the other he was not. The girls are 10 years apart. It is different for me since the girls do not and have not ever lived with us. We had the oldest with us every other weekend and the other, well we didnt know where she was for the longest time – now we do and she lives in another city, but we only see her on the holidays if we are lucky. My husband and mother in law have been very supportive of me, in my role as a stepmom. It can be a lonely road sometimes in this WORLD, as the world sees a childless stepmom, the attitude. Thank God I have my faith to keep me grounded.
Thank you for your comment. And yes, you are right – it can be a lonely road as a childless stepmom. But as you mentioned, your faith will help you and also the support of other stepmoms. Please join in our conversation whenever you like – I love to hear from other stepmoms on the journey.Gayla
Oh–I wish I had read this before I posted the other day!!!
I needed to hear this today…it’s been a struggle. I have my faith, but it’s just so hard. I appreciated the words you wrote more than you can know.
Glad to hear it was helpful Patricia. The childless stepmom role isn’t easy. Hang in there and God bless you! Gayla
I have been a childless step-mom twice. My first marriage ended in divorce after ten years. I am a year and a half into my second marriage now and and am facing many of the same issues. People tend to think the childless stepmom doesn’t have the ability to parent because we don’t have our own children. It is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I swore after my first marriage crumbled that I would never marry anyone with kids again. I ended up eating those words and though I love my husband, this last year and a half has been a nightmare. The nightmare is still continuing; it’s just my outlook on it that has changed. I can’t change the situation; all I can change is how I handle the situation.
Yes, you are exactly right Amy. You can’t change the situation – simply how you handle it or think about it. Hang in there – relationships typically get better in time and hopefully you will become more accepted in your role. God bless you. Gayla