Recent content by txstepmom

Thanks for your insight... and I got a good chuckle out of the above tidbit. Believe you me, we have tried it all. And I do find her clothes rather inexpensively - primarily shop at a 2nd hand store - however, even $8 jeans add up after awhile! An unbelievable amount of clothes "wander off"...

Parentastic, thank you for your detailed reply. I'm not sure how long ago you posted. I never received a notification so I'm just now reading it today (3/5/12). Your approach makes sense. And to an extent, what happened in that particular situation and happens in many others is in line with...

Ok, yes, spanking with a belt and leaving welts severe enough to warrant an ER trip is not right. However, that judge was outside the law to say "we don't spank kids." because it is not illegal - that was purely his opinion. None the less... There are still many people out there that can not...

Actually it is not illegal - not in Texas, anyway. "Abuse does not include reasonable discipline by a parent/guardian/managing or possessory conservator if child is not exposed to substantial risk of harm. Family Code § 261.001. [Civil Code] Parent/stepparent/person standing in loco...

Xero, are you a step parent? Do you have children who spend time with a step parent?? My original questions were aimed at people who are in a similar situation as me so just curious about your status. I realize that having K a limited amount of time hinders many things. It's hardest on...

Yes, 3/4 of her entire life... she likely does not remember me NOT being in her life. Only in the last couple years has it become a definite struggle due to BM's influence. K has become old enough to understand what is going on. She's fully aware that her mother doesn't like me. She's also...

I do use this approach with her. She's only tried it a couple times in the midst of a total meltdown. After the fire is out I talk with her. Our relationship is overall pretty good... I'm just much more no-nonsense that the other adults in her life and she's used to being babied. Since she...

A few things - #1 She can't revoke visitation without a court order. My husband and I both welcome BM to take us to court for any matter she wishes. She won't do it b/c she'll lose. She won't do anything formal to bring light to what happens in her own home: drunken, mean husband who is in and...

Wow... really??? Anybody can take someone's words and twist them around to fit their objective but that... was... um, an impressive bit of twisting there! Let's talk about the definition of discipline. From Merriam-Webster: As a noun- 1. Punishment 2. (Obsolete) Instruction 3. A field of...

I respect your opinion. My personal issue with K's BM becomes more than just "she doesn't want me to spank"... it becomes a card to play by K. Her BM tells her all the time that I have no authority over her, that I'm not allowed to make decisions or discipline beyond suspending privileges...

Effective correction of disobedience, rebellion, belligerence, etc. is what I call discipline. When grounding, revoking privileges, time outs don't work *which they do not for all kids at all stages of life* how do you effectively discipline?? You make it sound as if I intend to terrify and...

Unfortunately for BM, she will lose the custody battle should she choose to go there. Her husband/father of her 2 boys is constantly in and out of jail as well as their house and last week grabbed K by the arm so hard she had bruises and called DH crying but when he tried to go get her BM of...

Ending the spanking topic here - agree to disagree - and point out that it is always a last resort. :) As far as diffusing the situation... I'll explain a little more about what happened b/c we generally DO try to nip these things before K gets to melting point. She was wearing pajamas and...

Sorry, just didn't want there to be confusion. Will leave it at that :D

Thank you bssage for your very constructive reply.... and mom2many as well. There may have been a bit of misunderstanding about K calling me mommy. The issue isn't with me, but with her BM. BM won't stand for it. I've always been perfectly fine with Ms. Leslie or Mommy Leslie but I don't...