[ScreamingViking]

Who here is a step-dad?

This is my second time. First marriage, my ex had very young kids who were only 6 when we met and my role was more "dad" like, even though their biological father was involved in their lives.

This time my wife's kids are older, 23 and 19 now for the ones still at home with one that will be 27 soon who is on her own. The younger child is just starting college and trying to find her path, the 23-year-old has bounced around in his education and has yet to define a future direction for himself. I've become more of a friend and mentor almost in a default way... my spouse and I have discussed it but the kids haven't expressed their thoughts (even though we did ask). Anyone else facing the challenges of being a step-parent to older kids?