My Lola. Notes of a Step-Mother

A personal story by Natalia Remish about the relationship between a stepmother and her non-biological daughter, who became like her own.

From the author
«I wrote the book for exactly 7 years, while Lola—the main character of this book and my daughter—was growing up. When I was preparing for the role of a stepmother, as well as during the first three years of living with my husband's children from his first marriage and our common child, I went to therapy, read many books, and searched for answers to hundreds of questions. What to answer when the child asks me whom I love more, how to deal with my anger towards my husband's children from his first marriage, and so on. Each such conversation was like walking through a minefield, because someone could explode. And then others would join in. We would split into camps, remain silent for weeks, or, on the contrary, shout.

In the end, almost all the recommendations and developed strategies began to work. I started to document my experience, realizing that it might be helpful for someone. I'm sure many mothers will recognize themselves in my experiences.»

Natalia Remish