äitipuoli

Äitipuoli is the Finnish word for stepmother. It refers to a woman who is married to a person who has a child from a previous relationship, and is therefore the child's stepmother. The term is gender-specific and denotes the female parent figure in a blended family. A stepmother is not the biological mother of the child, but assumes a parental role.

The role and perception of an äitipuoli can vary widely. In literature and folklore, stepmothers have sometimes been portrayed negatively, as in the classic fairy tale Cinderella. However, in modern society, the term often encompasses women who form loving and supportive relationships with their stepchildren. The dynamics within a stepfamily are complex and depend on many factors, including the relationships between the adults, the age of the children, and the presence of the biological parent.

Legal definitions and societal expectations can influence the understanding of the äitipuoli's position. While not biologically related, a stepmother may contribute to the upbringing, emotional support, and daily life of her stepchildren, becoming an integral part of the family unit. The term itself simply denotes the familial relationship established through marriage.