Choosing to marry someone who already has kids is always going to be complicated, especially when they are younger. Conversations need to be had about how to take on the role of stepparent, and the process of introducing that to children is not always easy. Add to that an ex who still has a say in their kid’s lives, and there is a heck of a lot that can become a headache for somebody who is a partner to a parent.

The reality is that no matter what your individual stance on having children may be, step-children add an extra layer of responsibility to your life, whether you like it or not. Often, the most difficult thing about this is maintaining boundaries that are acceptable for all involved. Unfortunately, it’s near-inevitable that there will be times when these do not work in the way that everybody hopes that they will.