Routine

Yes the same word that makes me bored and tired.

It is so important to keep a good routine to create stability. Thats also what made the kiddos freak out when you started dating or got married. Think of it like this. Lets say you lost your job, and had your car repossed tomorrow. How would you feel? It was out of your span of control and yet it still happened.

My point is this...The kids are not the ones who make the decisions. The decisions that shape their young lives are made by the mom and step-dad. They didn't choose for their parents to get divorced and have to get used to living alone with mom and/or the grandparents. They certainly did not choose for a step-dad to move in. Kiddos can barely take one marriage, much less two or more.

The way to get the house stabilized and become their home again is to create and maintain a routine. They need to know what is going to happen next to settle down, just like you need to have your stability at work to maintain your sanity as well.

There are many areas in which you need to focus and have a "routine"
-bed time (about the same time, place, and order)
-discipline (they need to know what the consequences are before they do the crime)
- eating (sensible meals make sensible kiddos, giving them a chance to make good decisions)

Those are just a few areas but very important to making your house a home.

God is good! Single moms you have so much to offer. Step-dads you have a lot to learn. Hang in there and realize that the kiddos dont need much from you. They need your stability, love, and dedication. Love their mom before them, and be intentional when it comes to your relationships.