12 Things a Stepmother Should Never Say
10. "What's the matter, never heard of thank you?"
Don't become a stepparent expecting gratitude. (Don't become a parent expecting it, either.) While you shouldn't tolerate rudeness, choose your battles carefully. Kids generally don't have the best manners; they get preoccupied and forego social niceties. Don't be petulant; you're the grown-up.
From the
May 2003 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
