The X is generally unbearable and you all know exactly what I mean! Is it okay to have separate meetings? Do teachers generally allow that? How do we ask without making it sound like we're asking for special treatment (and more work for the teacher) because we're too childish? And without sounding like we're trying to cut the biomom out or be petty/competitive with her? I'm a new stepmom with no kids of my own and this is my first time with parent teacher conferences. My husband has joint custody with visitation evenly split.

I need help. SS is being told by his mother that his dad doesn't love him or give him attention because I'm around. Add to that - she's always been (and still is) an absentee mother and the kids have never had to share Dad with a woman. They've never laid down to watch a movie with Dad and had some woman want to be there next to him. Luckily, SS has decided he doesn't want me out, like his mom had hoped, but instead wants to be smashed in between us at all times. He can't stand to let us have 5 minutes alone and throws tantrums about it. Emily - I want to sleep inbetween. Emily - why did you take Dad on the wave runner for 17 minutes and me only 10? Emily - why do grownups get to stay up late without kids? Emily - why do you tickle Dad's back and not mine? Emily - even though you've spent all morning with me, why do you now want to be with dad instead of play checkers / watch star wars / watch me ride the 4-wheeler? He can't self-entertain and has to have our full attention at all times.

I need some advice. And I need a place where I can be honest because I don’t have that anywhere else. I’ve read a lot of what you’ve all written and I feel like I know and trust you all already.