The unfortunate truth is that where discipline is concerned, all a stepparent can do is kind of wing it and see what happens. Yeah, they have the parent there to help coach them along and explain why certain rules are in place, but then again, there are teachers in college to tell you all about molecular biology -- it doesn't mean you're going to remember it all. It doesn't mean that you're an idiot (unless you are). It's just a lot of information to retain.

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"Come on, think. I know it has something to do with buttholes."

Sometimes, even though you have the best intentions for the kids, it conflicts with what the parent wants, and that's where it starts to get sticky. I'm not even talking about big, life-altering decisions. They're not supposed to have pop after a certain time because it gets them hyper and they won't sleep at bedtime. But they haven't mutilated anyone today, and there's no school tomorrow, so you throw them that tiny reward. Or they're doing something you really don't like, but it's apparent that you're the only one it bothers. Do you make a new rule? Will that piss off your spouse? Will the kids resent you for it?