I used to think I had to speak up to belong.
For the introverted stepmom who feels overlooked in loud rooms—this post is a reflection on the power of deep listening, self-worth, and quiet connection.
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Why do we need boundaries? In order to have healthy and safe relationships, we need boundaries. They help us to keep unacceptable behaviors out while, at the same time, allowing you to let acceptable behaviors in. Think of them as being similar to a fence with a gate. You’re the one in charge of opening and closing that gate.
Need help with issues in your stepfamily? Not sure where to start? Read more in the Stepmom’s Book of Boundaries available on Amazon
Tags
blended family, boundaries, building relationships, giving yourself permission, relationships, setting limits, stepfamilies, stepmom, stepmom advice, stepmom help
The original content you just enjoyed is copyright protected by The Stepmom Coach—aka Claudette Chenevert—who proudly offers information, tips, products and other resources for building better relationships “one STEP at a time” via 1:1 coaching, self-guided coursework and more. Suitability is to be determined by individual users based on their own concerns and circumstances, as The Stepmom Coach does not endorse and is not liable for opinions expressed by third parties (i.e., advertisers, affiliates, audience members, clients).
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Mother’s Day can be an emotional rollercoaster for stepmoms. I still remember my very first one—hoping for a simple card, a small acknowledgment that I mattered. Instead, I got nothing. No mention, no nod, no recognition. And what stung the most? Someone else was acknowledged.
I didn’t speak up. I held back my feelings. And by the end of the day, I broke down in tears. My son, only a child, felt my sadness and acted out. Looking back, I realize I had placed expectations on people who barely knew me. I hadn’t yet found my place in the family, let alone earned the space to be celebrated.
Now, years later, I understand that Mother’s Day doesn’t have to fit into one mold. In this blog, I share what I’ve learned about honoring your role, setting boundaries, and creating celebrations that reflect you—not what others expect.
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Was having this conversation yesterday about healthy boundaries. It’s so refreshing to see addressing this topic written. Thank you.
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Glad that you had this discussion. I found boundaries to be a topic that many hesitate to have for fear of sounding pushy or bossy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I’m passing this on to my 47 year old daughter. I keep telling her I’m getting her a T-shirt that says “Just Say No!”
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Love It!!! I think more of us need that kind of t-shirt. 😉
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Great article. Boundaries can be such an intimidating thing for many people, this breaks it down into some simple considerations. I really had to learn a lot about boundaries as I was breaking my habit of co-dependent relationships and working on increasing my self-worth.
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Thank you Ana. When we think about it, boundaries aren’t that complicated. It’s all about what’s OK and what’s not OK. Where I find people struggle with the most is voicing what there boundaries are. I’m glad that you were able to break away from your habit of co-dependency. I’m sure it must of been a challenge for you.
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I love this post Claudette. Boundaries are an important aspect of life. Learning to set them is a challenge for many. It’s part of our growth experience…the power of contrast. Thank you for these excellent tips!
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Glad that you enjoyed these tips. Boundaries are everywhere in our lives. We don’t tend to think about them until we are confronted by these limits or someone trespasses them. They do keep us safe and secure when our boundaries are set in healthy ways.
Thanks for your feedback. -
I’m glad you enjoy this post. I agree with you that part of what people find most challenging around boundaries is in setting them and then to enforce them once you’ve shared with others what they were. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Was having this conversation yesterday about healthy boundaries. It’s so refreshing to see addressing this topic written. Thank you.
Glad that you had this discussion. I found boundaries to be a topic that many hesitate to have for fear of sounding pushy or bossy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I’m passing this on to my 47 year old daughter. I keep telling her I’m getting her a T-shirt that says “Just Say No!”
Love It!!! I think more of us need that kind of t-shirt. 😉
Great article. Boundaries can be such an intimidating thing for many people, this breaks it down into some simple considerations. I really had to learn a lot about boundaries as I was breaking my habit of co-dependent relationships and working on increasing my self-worth.
Thank you Ana. When we think about it, boundaries aren’t that complicated. It’s all about what’s OK and what’s not OK. Where I find people struggle with the most is voicing what there boundaries are. I’m glad that you were able to break away from your habit of co-dependency. I’m sure it must of been a challenge for you.
I love this post Claudette. Boundaries are an important aspect of life. Learning to set them is a challenge for many. It’s part of our growth experience…the power of contrast. Thank you for these excellent tips!
Glad that you enjoyed these tips. Boundaries are everywhere in our lives. We don’t tend to think about them until we are confronted by these limits or someone trespasses them. They do keep us safe and secure when our boundaries are set in healthy ways.
Thanks for your feedback.
I’m glad you enjoy this post. I agree with you that part of what people find most challenging around boundaries is in setting them and then to enforce them once you’ve shared with others what they were. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.