Stepmother
A stepmother is a woman who becomes part of a child’s family through the marriage of the child’s birth parent. The term distinguishes her from a biological or adoptive mother, though a stepmother may later become an adoptive mother if legal steps are taken. The role and rights of a stepparent vary by country and jurisdiction; in many places a stepparent does not automatically obtain parental rights or responsibilities, which are often established by the couple, the family, or by formal legal arrangements. Adoption or legal guardianship can transfer parental duties and rights to a stepparent, depending on laws and court decisions.
Relations within stepfamilies depend on many factors: the ages of the child and stepparent at the time
Cultural representations of stepmothers vary widely, from negative stereotypes to positive, supportive roles. In literature and