In Defense of Stepmothers

As members of a support group for Step-Mothers, we take offense at your implication that the unpleasant things from nature are due to “stepmother nature” (Traveling in Style, Oct. 19, “Rainy Day Roving” by Marion Gough). Over the centuries stepmothers have been branded as wicked, cruel and insensitive (i.e., Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White, to name a few examples).

Perhaps you are unaware of it, but today probably one-half of your female readers are stepmothers. It has become a very common role, and it is a very difficult role, at that. (Why else would we need support groups?) If Mother Nature really were to take on the personality of a stepmother, the days certainly wouldn’t be rainy or gloomy. Many step-families would be living in the Garden of Eden.

Step-Mothers Support Group

Stephen S. Wise Temple Parenting Center

Los Angeles