One of the hardest things I deal with, being a stepmother to 5 now adult children, is how to help when someone is hurting. My mama instincts are to grab them and hold them just like my mother would do when tough grown up things would happen. As a stepmother, most times, there is not an invite to do the mama bear thing. You have to make the right choice. Say the right words. Listen.
Several of the kids have had some growing pains the past few months. These are things that happen to young adults. I clearly remember my 20's and how hard everything was. The adjustment from school, where there were holidays, to work, where they expected you to show up all the time and on time, was just plain awful. The real world is a rude awakening. When my nephew graduated from college, he kept saying it was the worst day of his life. We all thought it was hilarious, but I believe he was speaking the truth. Reality bites!
Sometimes kids, whether you are the parent or the step parent, do not want to share what they are going through. This is where you have to have patience and prepare to pray A LOT to you maker. You know they are hurting but you can do nothing. Rough place to be. You might want to just check in with them and let them know you are around and available to listen if they want to talk. Eventually they will tell you. In the meantime, don't find a reason to eat a load of Ben and Jerry's while you are waiting for them to call. That will open up another issue!
