Hey, it's been probably over a year since I have been online. So much has happened and my life is crazy busy!! Just wanted to ask if anyone has gone through what happened to my fiance and I late last year. My 16yr old SD decided the night of her 16th party that her dad and I were "losers" because we didn't approve of drinking alcohol or smoking for 16yr olds nor hanging out with 18yr old guys. so, she decided to go back to live with her mum, because she lets her do whatever the hell she wants. The SD has not spoken to her father or me and I am incrediably hurt and upset about it. I supported her financially and emotionally for two years while her mother didn't care about what she was doing. I was there for her and loved her and loved having her (despite the normal challenges of raising a female teenager!) I did not get an apology for her behaviour nor a word of thanks or appreciation for the two years of my life I dedicated to her. Her dad won't speak to her until she comes to see us and basically apologise to us and agree with how we think she should be living her life. Since living with her mother, we have seen her out on the street on a Sat night at 8pm drinking with friends. We have seen her on a school night drnking illegally in a pub at 10pm - like her mum seriously doesn't care what she does - it makes me sick.

Hi everyone - just wanted to share with you something that happened last night that made me really happy!

When I got home from work, my SS couldn't wait to tell me that I had written one extra kiss 'x' at the end of my note to him compared to his sister (my SD).

Sorry guys - just have to let off a little steam! On Sunday drove my SS all over town trying to find where he 'thought' his team was playing soccer! In the end he missed the match (making me drive for over 2 hours in the meantime!) and didn't even thank me! Then, I asked both my SS & SD to change the sheets on their bed so I could do some washing & they have clean sheets (they only change them if I remind them - even though they are old enough to know they need to do it regularly) so anyway - neither of them did it - so I ended up changing their sheets and making their beds all nice - not one word of thanks from either of them.

Well, you know what - even she had a hard time being a step-mum in the movie! So we may not be big hollywood movie stars but as step-mums I think we do a darn good job at acting & being diplomatic!! It's the name of the game, isn't it!!

Hi everyone! I don't know if I am going crazy but since I found this site and have been letting out my feelings things with the kids seem to be getting a lot better! Maybe I just feel better knowing that I am not alone - nor am I crazy for feeling the way I do.

I know this is a US site but I can't find anything like this that is Australian, so I hope you don't mind me venting here! It is hard to talk to my friends because they are either without kids or married with their own bio-kids....no one really knows what it's like unless you are in a step-family I guess.