We recently took my SS17 to Vegas. It is one of the spots where you may get a tattoo with parental consent under age 18. We took him for the sole purpose of his first tattoo that he has been begging for. He is a good kid, makes good grades, plays sports and is very well mannered. 

Curious how many have dealt with 7 year olds that cry when leaving mommy. It's not always. My SD recently turned 7 and she and bio mom have a very codependent relationship. It certainly feeds bio mom's narcissistic ego to have her baby girl need her and want her and cry for her. She is spoiled by mom in every way. They sleep in the same bed. My SD has learned to people please to mom. 
 

My SD6 has never asked to spend less time with us (we have her 50%) nor does she complain or get upset when with us. There is certainly a good 1/2 hour to hour of "detox" when we first get her as her biomoms influence can make her sassy/rude/distant. So there have been occasions when she is crying not to leave mom when we first get her but it's literally within minutes that she is fine and her normal happy self. I believe she feels some of it but I also believe some of it is for mom's sake and approval. It makes bio mom so happy to see her baby cry for her.

As a step parent, when is the time to step in regarding behavior, teaching manners, rules, etc? I guess what I am really asking about is teaching manners. When do I start making this a lesson we are going to work on with my 6yr SD? Why haven't I already? Part of me feels like it's not my place. Part of me thinks she's still young and there's time to just be a kid and goofy and gross. Let's face it, kids are gross! Part of me thinks it won't take because my SO can be pretty gross himself.