So, it's been about half a year that I've been living here, being a fully invested part of my step-family. I love my girlfriend, I love her daughters, and I love our family.
I thought I would share some of what I've learned thus far, though God knows I've still got more to learn on this wild ride... Lol.
The most important thing I learned: the kids aren't always going to like you, and that's ok. You're a parent, and kids get frustrated with parents and yell and rage and temper tantrum. And that's fine. It means they see you as a parent, which is good. You're not their pal, though you can be friendly... you're not their friend.
Once they calm down, they will love you again... relax. Their mother isn't going to stop loving you because one of the kids is having a shit fit.
Second most important thing: It's worth it. Going from single to being a parent of partially grown teenagers is no easy task. You're now helping shape the life of a young person or persons... You're helping lighten the load on their mother... and so on. Not an easy task.
And then, after a long day, you all end up cuddled up on the sofa watching a fun movie and none of that hard work seems to matter. Everything is perfect. Totally worth it.
It's a wild adventure, filled with ups and downs, but as I sit here by the twinkling light of a Christmas tree stuffed fat with gifts listening to the morning chaos of 3 ladies getting ready all at once (awaiting my turn in the bathroom after they leave for work/school) and sipping my coffee... I can't think of how I ever lived without it.