Ugh. This weekend was the weekend with SS7. He's been unbearably whiny all day and doing his usual sucky wimpy helpless baby act to get attention. Instead of falling victim to it, I ignore him until he acts his age but daddy always gives in - which has caused an obvious shift in dynamic. SS knows he can play daddy and also be the victim to "LD's mean behavior" which pits daddy and son against me.

Hey all you step mothers. I need some real life advice. Hypothetically: if you and husband/significant other/spouse broke up... Would you consider dating someone with kids again? Knowing what you know now, and having experienced what you've been through, would you think it's worth it again?

Ok guys,

This probably comes off as such a petty and childish concern, but from all you other Stepmoms I'd really like some advice.

My inlaws and I don't get along - MIL and 2xSILs in particular. It has alot to do with the walls I threw up years ago to get some privacy from their constant input, helicopter parenting and passive-aggresive put downs in my life. I was pretty severe and quick tempered when it came to creating some much needed distance between us.

When DH & BM separated, BM moved 6 hours away to her hometown and took SS with her. IT was agreed they would share custody until he started school, then his primary res would be with her and DH has "open and fair access to SS". SS plays sports in the community he moved to and BM wants to believe it's half of DH's responsibility to take SS to these sports practices.