Surviving Separation

[Confluences]

Well, I'm not too well-versed on experience with kids other than niece's and nephew's on a limited basis and not step kids. That's a tough one. All I can say is if you have that conversation, he needs to realize that they're going to be growing up and changing very fast. He needs to come to terms with that they'll not be that age forever.

Time does not discriminate and maybe at some point the two of you can have a serious conversation about how to handle that situation to where he feels like he can take on the step-parenting role with more clarity. That's something that would probably the help of a counselor. Do your kids spend time with their father or is he out of the picture?

I think that you just need to see how he continues to interact with you and maybe he'll want to have that conversation. It's something that you'll need to address but I think if that is a big problem with him, it's overcome-able but it will take a lot of frank and candid conversations about that topic.

Reality-creep is tough when it comes back into the picture but you have to go back to all the progress that you have made up to this point and ask yourself the tough questions about what are truly deal-breakers as you move forward. Keep you spirits up and don't get too down about momentarily situations as things could change again next week.

Remember the indisputable fact of life: All things change with time and circumstance. That being said, kids grow older and mature and become more manageable.

Keep me posted!