Anyone else with stepkids?

[lisl71]

I inherited stepchildren by moving here with my partner and would love to trade insights with people who've been there. I'm finding this the most challenging part of the move and I know this has nothing to do with the country itself -- I'd have the same issues if I were still at home.

However, being a stranger in a strange land does make it all the more mystifying and intimating, so communicating with others or hearing of support groups would be a huge help!

[Fern49]

Hi, I have not had step kids but my older daughter has, it had to be one of the most challenging times in her life. Wanting to parent them when she was not one (to them) was fraught with difficulties, to say the least.
She found it more harmonious & accepting being a friend to them.
Of course how someone handles the situation would also depend on the father's opinion of your role and to a lesser degree the kids.
The kids ages also have a lot of bearing on how to handle the situation.

[hoegaandit]

Just to say there is a helpful forum on mumsnet in the topics under parenting, devoted solely to step-parenting. Take a look!