Part of being married again. I waited to get married to her until my youngest were graduated from HS, I was lucky I had my three very young so at 44 that had all graduated HS, I don’t think I could do it if my kids were still young and her kids where the age they are today. Mine all moved out between military and college makes it easier but it’s still not easy and I at times have to take a break.

I found a Facebook group for step parents that has helped me. I thought I needed to raise these kids as well and t was stressing me out. My wife simply said, support her, be someone the kids can come to for support but don’t discipline them now and don’t stress about it, just be the guy they can come to for support and love. Hard, but I’m adjusting much better.