Stepping Up to the Plate

Lori recalls feeling concerned for her stepson when she had her first child. “I think that it was scary for my stepson,” says Lori. “He knew no other life than as an only child and then a half-brother comes along. I made a huge effort to pay extra attention to my stepson while still taking care of my newborn. My husband and I made sure to help him understand that his role of brother was very important. The kids actually helped to bond everyone together. And I am proud that the boys are very close to this day.”

Every family has its challenges, and your stepfamily is no different. Although your stepchild may test your patience on a regular basis, you will start to notice over the first 30 days and beyond that you, your spouse and your stepchild are slowly forming a relationship of respect and appreciation. And, you just may grow to really love each other.

“It’s work, but even non-stepfamily situations take work,” Michael says. “I love these kids, and I support them in different ways for whatever they need. Even with the confusion and challenges, I know what I got into and I don’t regret it.”

* name(s) have been changed.