Good to see you again Colin! Wow, Do I have any tips??? Where do I start. First question, is mom a regular part of your children's life? I'm assuming she is, but if not, still doesn't really matter. Children, in my personal and professional opinion, resent anyone who is not their mom and dad who is trying to "parent them". Even children who have lost a parent in death resent someone who is trying to parent them. Introduce Sarah gently...let them be your children's adult ally...not a friend...I hate it when grown-ups reduce themselves to wanting the approval of children and try to be a friend instead of a parent...anyway, not a friend, but as an ally to you as you make the sometimes tricky parental decisions a parent needs to make from day to day. You make the rules. She may agree or not...not her place to show dissent or even agreement in front of the children. Her main "job" is to treat your children with kindness and respect. Liking or loving is not a requirement, although since they're your kids, that's probably not an issue :)

My children LOVE their step-father, but Nick never imposed himself on my children. He was a steady supportive presence...loving and kind and respectful...didn't try to replace their father in any way. Had good boundaries for himself personally. Took his space when he needed it. I think what is not successful is when people try to impose this "step-family, blended family" stuff onto their kids. This may be premature advice...but something to keep in mind. I gave up on the blended family years ago..we're just one happy LUMPY group of people trying to do the best we came. Good luck and I'm liking these latest developments for you Colin. Sarah sounds like a dream.