Natalie Nichols Gillespie

Six years ago, my husband, Adam, and I had a bustling, blended family of six kids – his, mine and ours. Our quiver was full, not to mention our bathrooms. So when my husband and I felt unexpectedly drawn to adopt an orphan girl from China, we knew that the real test would be getting our kids on board.

A look at different types of stepfamilies can highlight the unique challenges each stepfamily may encounter.