In the step-parenting universe, labels can be sticky, complicated, and downright painful at times for everyone involved.

There were times I wished I could quit being a stepmom.

Some of us may never actually say it — but we will think it.

You tell yourself won’t lose your sh*t or yell and scream.

As a stepmom, I dread days like this.

Being a mother is not just about giving.

One day you're going to miss it. One day there will be a peaceful silence while you go to the bathroom instead of small hands busting through the door or someone wailing bloody murder outside with an owie until you jump off the toilet holding your pants in a panic. One day you'll miss the frantic desperation of never catching up because one day everything will catch up. Your children will grow up and you will eventually get a decent break. One day. So savor the good times now