My DH and I have been married for a year and a half. He has an 8yr old son from a previous marriage who stays with us every other weekend. My DH and I get along great but I am miserable when my ss is here.  He is a good kid, he is just full of energy and wears me down quickly.  I also think manners are important whereas BM does not. He still smacks his food and talks back.
     Yesterday after spending the whole day with him while my husband was working I was ready for some down time.  I was getting ready to take a hot bath and get ready for family movie night when I heard my dog yelp. 
     Apparently my ss thought the dog was doing something it wasn't supposed to so he hit it.  My dog is my buddy and I hate to see any animal mistreated especially one I love very much. I told him that we don't hit animals and thats not acceptable in this house. My DH came into the house at this point and basically told ss the same thing and sent him to his room to "think about it" DH and I got into an argument (quietly ) where I was told I make him feel like a referee. 
I just want to throw up my hands.. I know kids aren't perfect and I don't expect him to be. I just wish we could all enjoy it when he is here!