How to be a happy stepmother

Air Date: March 25, 2011

Hour 2

The evil stepmother from Disney's Snow White

Stereotypes about stepmothers abound– wicked, evil, home wrecker, cold, selfish, narcissistic. Just look at stepmothers in fairy tales — those of Cinderella, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel — to see what a bad rap they get. Our guest, psychotherapist RACHELLE KATZ, says not much has changed over the years when it comes to the image of stepmothers, and in fact, their role has gotten even more challenging as more fathers share custody of their children. Katz is the author of The Happy Stepmother: Stay Sane, Empower Yourself, Thrive in Your New Family, a book based on her experiences counseling women who have stepped into the role. We’re also joined by writer FERN KUPFER, who has written frequently about her own experiences as a stepmother.

Listen to the mp3

Listen:
[audio: 032511_110630.mp3]

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.