i'm not a step parent, but i can recommend offbeat mama to you. there are a few good articles about step parenting on the site, and i'm sure there will be new ones in the future.
"Don't worry, I don't have low self-esteem. ...I have low esteem for everyone else." -Daria Morgendorffer
I am, but my process has been easier since I've been raising him like my own since he was only 5 months old. Not supposed to talk negatively about the bio father, so I'll leave that be.
it gets easier with time. With him being so young, I wouldn't worry about him rebelling against you, it would be the other parent that usually causes the issues.
Just treat the boy as if he were your own. make sure not to ever exclude him for any reason. Make him feel loved and appreciated as much as your biological childern (if you have any).
I have an adopted son but I also have five step children as well as three step granddaughters. It sounds like you've pretty much lucked out with the child being so young so you shouldn't really have too many problems. You should love and treat him like your own but to avoid future problems make sure when he's old enough that its clear you are a step mother. He should know you love him and to him he's yours but you are not trying to keep him from everyone.
My adopted son is my boyfriends youngest, he's three. His biological mother lost all parental rights when he was born and I'm the only mom he knows. I have adopted him even have his name tattooed on me. Yet we have pictures of his real mom to show him when he's old enough. And we even have sent his real mother updated pictures of him through family members.
Another important thing to remeber is to make sure having a step mom isn't a bad thing. When we tell my son everything I plan on telling him some kids have one family that loves them a lot and some kids have a couple of famlies that love them a lot. And he's lucky enough that he gets two momies that love him, as well as plenty of brothers and sisters.
remeber these things and he should always feel loved and wanted. He will never feel like you or himself is the cause for why his parents ended the way it did. And he shouldn't hold any resintment.
The best advice I can give you, get to know him real well. Be willing to play when he wants to play. Be there when he's sick. Give him hugs when he wants them if he wants them.
It is hard sometimes to be a step parent, but it can be wonderful to.
Lulz. You people must get a lot of comments on that
I could've been in the same situation... My hubby is 17 years older and I got pregnant with my daughter when I was 18. If he would've gotten kids on my age...
Well, lucky he didn't CPS would place camera's in front of our door
So, how does it feel, being 22 and a grandparent?
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I'm dreaming of a better world where chickens can cross roads without having their intentions questioned.
kei83
CPS would place camera's in front of our door 
