BellaOnline Forums Family Step Parenting The joys in stepparenting

I've had my own share of heartbreaks and issues in stepparenting, but there are also joys to be had.

I have a lovely stepdaughter that's only a little over a decade younger than I am. She married two years ago, graduated art college a week ago, and gave birth to our first grandchild today <img src="/images/graemlins/music.gif" alt="" /> .

I've been very lucky to be able to have a part in her life. I've shared in some of the most important things and I couldn't love her more or be more proud if she were my own daughter.

My natural children also very lucky to have a wonderful woman as their stepmother. Even after the death of my ex, she continues to have a relationship with them. Not long ago she and her daughters (my children's half-sisters) spent the night at our home while traveling. During our late night chat over wine she complimented me on how I raised my daughter, but I quickly reminded her that it was partly her influence as well so we both deserved the credit. Our relationship through the years wasn't always 'cozy' so finally making peace and becoming friends makes me feel really good.

Sometimes when we're in the thick of things it's hard to believe that good times might be ahead. I'm sure I'll have a few more bumps in my path, but the occasional joys are worth it.

Thank you for sharing such a positive and uplifting testimony! We can get so bogged down with the challenges of being a stepparent, it can be easy to forget that...this too, shall pass.

You (and your children's stepmother) are definitely BOTH to be commended for not only becoming cordial, but downright friendly with each other! If only all stepparents could experience similar joys as you've expressed, both sides would see how much happier this type of situation makes everyone. The children definitely do better when all parties are decent to each other, but we ex-wives, seond wives and stepparents would also fare much better. We would have far less anxiety and stress if we knew that everyone could work together on issues. But if working together is going too far, at least not working AGAINST each other!

And congratulations on your new grandbaby! I just love it when someone defies the statistics to prove that decency and diplomacy are still the best way! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />