My experience has been that the kids I had to worry about my daughter "running" with (and she DIDN'T duplicate their behavior, thank goodness) were the rich ones with married parents; those are the kids who gave the parties where liquor and drugs were prevalent and risky behavior was worshiped.

My daughter also has a WONDERFUL stepmother, and my second husband and myself have a lovely relationship with my ex and with her, visiting in each other's homes.

It took years for my second husband, because of resistance by his ex (he left after years of castigation and her telling him she never loved him) but I worked hard at it and finally achieved relationships for him and myself with his children AND WITH HIS EX that are kind and loving and supportive. I am NOT a fan of people who can't admit their mistakes and move past them to a place of love, but I'll work like an immigrant to get them there.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher