madrastra

Madrastra is a Spanish term referring to a woman who is married to one's father and is not one's biological mother. The corresponding male term is padrastro. In most Spanish-speaking contexts, madrastra denotes the stepmother within a blended or remarried family. The word is formed from madre (mother) with a suffix that marks kinship by marriage; regional variants may differ in spelling. Commonly used form is madrastra in Spanish, with padrastro as the parallel for stepfather.

In social and legal terms, a madrastra is a parental figure by marriage, and her rights and responsibilities toward her stepchildren vary by country and family arrangement. In many jurisdictions, step-parents do not automatically acquire guardianship, but they may gain rights through formal arrangements, adoption, or co-parenting agreements. The emotional and practical role of a madrastra can range from supportive parent to a more distant figure, depending on family dynamics and cultural expectations.

Cultural representations of madrastras are diverse. In fairy tales and media, stepmothers are frequently depicted as antagonistic figures, which has contributed to stereotypes about stepfamilies. In real life, relationships with a madrastra can be positive and nurturing, though adjusting to blended-family life may require communication and time.

See also: stepfamily, blended family, family law, adoption.