I signed on a few weeks ago ready to just walk away from everyone "new in my life". After several posts and the reading of many, I have finally found "my happy place". I know that it won't work for everyone, but what a simple solution I've arrived at. Two parts: 1. I will treat my skids the same way I treat my kids, no better and no worse, same rules, same expectations, same punishments, same rewards so long as they are in my house. What they do at their BMs house is up to her. 2. At the end of each visitation period, I will let dh know details of any incidents that may be "spun" by BM or Skids into an issue. Voila. 2 Simple Rules for Dealing with the Blended Family.