To the stepmom who fills out the school forms that don’t list a blank for your name,
I see you.
To the stepmom who calls the pediatrician for copies of vaccine records and is told they can only be released to “a parent,”
I see you.
To the stepmom who is missing from the school directory,
Who is never invited for coffee after drop off,
Who is the proudest parent in the carpool line but wouldn’t dare sport the bumper sticker,
I see you.
To the stepmom who unpacks the back-to-school night invite but isn’t sure if you’re welcome to attend,
Who wants to volunteer in the classroom but doesn’t want to step on toes,
To the stepmom who has waited your whole life to wear the school sweatshirt, but now isn’t sure if you should,
I see you.
To the stepmoms, stepdads, and stepparents who step up and fill in the blanks, even when the blanks don’t acknowledge you,
I see you.
Don’t let the school directory define your role in your child’s life.
