AboutLee Brochstein Expertise I can answer all questions on blending families and being a step parent. I can answer questions about discipline, visitation with the step children when you have your own children living with you and having your children visit with half siblings and step children in your spouses home.
Experience I was a step parent to 7 children for 5 years, as well as having two children during that marriage. I am now a step mother to 4 children that live in another state. My children have half siblings as well as step siblings at their father's house.
Education/Credentials Life experience and good common sense.
Question I'm looking for some tips. I have a 4 year old from a previous relationship and my fiance has a 5 year old also from a previous relationship. They get along well as can be expected for boys that age. My problem is my fiance works weekends and so I am home with both boys all day on Saturday. I love them both and usually have a good time but I don't know how to balance the attention between them. My step son is very demanding of my attention and can also be very challenging. I feel like I am not being fair to my son since he doesn't get my one on one attention as much. The other problem I have is that my step son can be a difficult kid, his moms only discipline was "I'm going to call you dad" this taught him he doesn't have to listen to anyone but his dad. He is constantly challenging almost everything I say and encouraging my son not to listen also. I need help I talk to my fiance about it but he just says your the parent so make them listen. They don't run this house. I know that he is right but its hard to discipline his son he acts a lot different once his dad is at work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answer Avalita: Your husband is lucky that you will watch his son all day on a Saturday! First of all, you are the parent of YOUR child, and the discipline is not your responsibility of his son. He needs to talk to his son and he needs to tell him that he needs to listen to you, respect you and that when he is gone, you are the boss. That is all you can do. When he acts up, give him a time out, and then have some quality time with your son.
