#stepfamily

#stepfamily

When they were young, it was a difficult but necessary position for me to be in when it came to teaching them about manners and household chores. They thought I was nagging them to put a napkin on their lap, take their hat off at the dinner table, take their shoes off when they entered the house, carry their dishes to the sink, put the seat down, etc.

My fiancée and her 12-year-old daughter moved in over the summer since her lease was up. We were in counseling and seemed to be on the same page regarding our daughters. My daughter has never had a problem with hygiene or cleanliness because her mother and I made sure she could take care of herself. My fiancée is failing in that regard.

I am a 44-year-old man, with a seven-year-old son. His mother and I are divorced, and I moved out when he was three. We share custody; he is with me three days/nights a week including part of the weekend. He is doing well at school and has varied interests. He is a very happy child and the most precious thing to me.

I have two young children, and he refuses to meet them and says he doesn't want to be involved in any child-related activities or even conversation. It makes me really sad as my children are such wonderful little people, but he just doesn't want anything to do with them. I split up with their dad years ago and we co-parent well without any issues.

Celebrating a significant milestone for a loved one should take precedence over personal grievances. Attending the party honors shared family ties.