Celebrate National Stepfamily Day on Sept. 16

Green Bay Area Mom
Sep 15, 2020
2 min read

National Stepfamily Day is celebrated each year on September 16. If you are in a blended family, Happy National Stepfamily Day to you and yours!

If you did not grow up in, or you’re not parenting in, a blended family, Sept. 16 may not mean much to you, but to me and others, it means a lot! There is a day focused on our unique family dynamic. Stepmoms and stepdads do not always get recognized on Mother’s or Father’s Day, so this day can be a fun day for stepfamilies to celebrate! National Stepfamily Day was founded in 1997 by Christy Borgeld.

Stepfamilies are all around us. Apparently, one in three Americans lives in a stepfamily, and more than 50% of Americans will live in a stepfamily at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of children are growing up in stepfamilies. I grew up with a stepdad, and I am a stepmom. I have felt no less love in my life, and I doubt my step-daughters do either. Instead of two parents who love them, there are more people supporting and loving them.

Step-parenting is one of the hardest things that I have ever done or been part of. There is no lack of conflict, struggle, and loss of control. But if I keep a positive mindset, pick my battles, and learn to let a lot of stuff go, I find that I have a better marriage and parenting relationship with my step-daughters. What works for some step-parents does not work for others. Do what is best for you!

Below are some ideas for a National Stepfamily Day Celebration:

Have family photos taken.
Cook a meal together. Each family member gets a task in the
kitchen to help with dinner.
Make a special treat, such as brownies or cake, or head out for ice cream to celebrate.
Write letters to each other about why you’re thankful they are in your life.
Start a family cookbook and with each recipe, include a memory or the importance of the recipe.
September is generally gorgeous weather in Northeast Wisconsin. Get outside together for a hike, boat ride, bike ride, or for a walk along the Fox River Trail.