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.
Expert: Lee Brochstein Date: 5/19/2008 Subject: Stepdad spanking stepson
Question I just found out tonight from my 8 y/o grandson that his stepdad has spanked him so hard and his comment was "it is harder than my dad ever spanked me. He makes me pull my pants down and spanks me without my undies. He spanks me with a belt like a whip on Indiana Jones while my mom is watching". I AM FURIOUS. I have questioned my daughter and "her husband" on other issues and it causes a family feud. I believe their are things that my ex son-in-law doesn't know and should be informed but do not know how to tell him without him getting furious or my grandson getting in more trouble. My grandson is scared to tell his dad and has told me not to say anything to his mom. He is scared of the stepdad and I do not know how to approach mom/dad about this situation without my grandson getting in trouble. Please give me some help in approaching this situation without causing more pain for my grandson or World War III.
Answer Renee: There is no way to step in without losing your grandson or your daughter. This is territory, that unless you are willing to back up the accusation with proof,ie pictures, and not just the word of a boy who could be "mad" at his mom and not like his step dad, then you need to stay out of it. If you want to get involved, call CPS and report it. But, like I said, be sure your grandson is telling the truth and that you can back it up.
