It became one of the known stereotypes for stepmoms and half-siblings all over the world. But that was just a fairy tale and not all children with stepfamilies experience the same situation.
This was proven in a recent study about the “Cinderella Effect” theory. Stepparents, particularly stepmoms, are not always abusive or neglectful as depicted in the fairy tale. In fact, the study showed that stepparents (and half-siblings) play a great role in loving and protecting the stepchild who may be suffering in a parental loss, a source of the child’s comfort rather than misery.
Say not all stepparents are cruel, but don’t blame it on the classic Cinderella tale. Instead, let’s take part in changing this ancient antagonistic approach. Stepparenting is tough, and it becomes tougher if people regard it with a stereotypical mindset.
