It is so hard to believe that both of my stepkids are now in high school! They've really come a long way since I first met them at the ages of 4 & 5. But for all of the things they have learned over the years, there are so many more that they'll need to learn before they become adults.
I want to cram all of life's lessons into what little time they spend with us because I realize that it won't be long before they'll be "on their own". Unfortunately, my opportunities to teach are hampered by the fact that the kids have entered that stage of life where they don't seem to want to be taught--at least by grown-ups, that is.
I know that from this point on, most of what they learn will be from their own life experiences and from the school of hard knocks. Hopefully they won't get too many bumps and bruises along the way. And hopefully they will remember some of the important things we taught them during their visits with us.
Before they venture out into the real world, our stepkids should know that we are interested in what they are learning, both in school and in life. Though our time with the kids may be limited, stepparents can help their spouses by getting involved with schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, especially when their natural parents are unable to do so. Maybe when the kids are grown, they will remember that we were there for them and that we helped them become respectable, well-equipped adults.
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