The short answer is yes! It does get easier! Research indicates that it takes 4-7 years for a stepfamily to gel. Of course, each family is different and these norms could take longer. But all in all, once the family is established, so are the parameters of acceptable behavior. When my mother married my stepfather Jerry, I acted out for about six months. Yes, I was one of those kids too! And I'm happy to report that I consider the stepfamily I came from to be quite successful