This isn't totally step kid related. My brother asked me if I could watch my nephew today which I said yes but DH had to go somewhere and I have all the kids ss's included and told my brother he would need to bring nephew (who is 3) over to my house in the morning before he goes to work at 8. That meant he needed to get nephew awake at about 730 and drive 5 minutes to my house.

First issue is after FDH and I discussed dates of when we would be getting ss's (according to his summer schedule as it changes from fall-winter) we sent an email to BM giving her dates and pick up/drop off times. We also let her know when we were planning to have the boys for summer vacation (FDH has to put in for his vacation time by February and we would like to rent a beach house for a week).

So my brother and I have different fathers. We both lived with my mother and for as long as I can remember my mother had always referred to my brothers step mother as "the evil slut". I remember vividly the screaming matches my mother would have with my brothers dad and even more vividly the effect it had on my brother. I watch from the sidelines as my brother learned very well how to manipulate his parents and his step mother. I remember at my brothers sporting events my mom would sit with her friends and snicker about his dad and step mom.

I have noticed lately that when we have ss's FDH seems to be incredibly uptight. Frustrated. Moody. Not necessarily with me, just in general. He is usually a very fun person to be around and when it's him and I and my bios he's rarely moody.

I realized that when I put my foot down and said I'm not gonna be the evil SM to these boys YOU need to be proactive about teaching them what behaviors are acceptable and which are not in our home.....that's when he started this moodiness.