1. Lower your expectations.
2. Practice the Golden Rule.
3. Don’t avoid hard topics.
4. Go on regular date nights with your spouse.
5. Establish order and respect.
6. Let the kids spend time alone with their biological parent.
7. Don’t let the children make any final decisions for the family.
8. Pray, pray, pray.
9. Let grieving take place.
10. Don’t give up!

https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/stepfamily-living/survival-tips-for-the-first-year-of-stepfamily-life//