Families are changing with the times. These days it's not uncommon for women to have children later in life, sometimes after already having raised one or more children. This "second family" can come with new challenges, including economic, social or family challenges. Thankfully there are ways to deal with these trials.

Smoothing the way for the new baby may be most important when it comes to your older children. Whether they're teens or young adults, it's possible they'll feel "replaced" or worry their own lives will be disrupted by a new baby in the family.

Susan Heim remarried when her older sons were 11 and 14. Figuring her family was complete, it was a bit of a shock when she discovered she was pregnant with twins. "My oldest sons ... had a difficult time at first," says the Boca Raton, Fla., resident. "Not only did they have a new father to contend with, but they also had two little brothers who devoured all of their mother's attention. And considering they were in the preteen and teen years – notoriously difficult for any child – it only added to their stress."

Dr. LeslieBeth Wish, a psychologist and social worker from Sarasota, Fla., believes you should talk to your grown children as soon as you know a new baby is on the way. "The parents should obviously never say things such as: 'We wanted to get it right this time' or 'We're more mature now,'" says Dr. Wish. "Parents should say: 'We loved being parents, we love having you as our children and we want to bring another member into the family.'"

Dr. Wish recommends that you not expect your older children to be built-in babysitters, but do ask them to share their experiences and spend time with the family. Take care to remind them that you love them and that you have room in your heart for more love.

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