Stepchildren can be angels one day, and then the next week you wish they were abducted by aliens. No More Baby's Mama Drama addresses these very normal feelings of many wives, and shows them effective techniques for coping.

From Chapter 8: They're His Children, But It's Still Your Home Stepchildren or Not: It’s Your House As promised here is a list of general rules that you can use no matter how old your stepchildren are. Copy the rules down on a poster board and decorate it before putting it in a place that everyone can see it. You wouldn’t let a stranger come into your house and turn it topsy-turvy would you? Stepchildren are very similar to strangers in that they aren’t always fully aware of the mood or tone of your home. They may not understand your lifestyle and they may not care if they disrupt it! And yes, you do become a host when your stepchildren visit. You should do your best to make them feel comfortable and welcome. We all know that stepchildren carry a bit more clout than strangers or guests. They are our husband’s children. They must accept us as more than a temporary part of their father’s life. We must also accept them as part of our husband’s past, present and future. But it is your home and you don’t have to accept them if they behave like miniature revolutionaries or guerillas, either. Your stepchildren must respect your house in order for them to fully enjoy visiting their father. Receiving your stepchildren into your home is a constant learning experience. It will be trying at times, and at other times fun and rewarding. You will have to repeat yourself and explain your philosophies to children who may have been raised in a manner totally oblivious to your morals. You will be thought of as mean sometimes. Your stepchildren may give you major attitude and back talk. Give yourself and your stepchildren a window of time to adjust. If you try to lay down the law and you catch flack from your stepchildren or even indirectly from BM, don’t back down. It is your home and your husband’s. Without apologies, you should both decide what flies and what flunks in your house. Remember to always have one hand extended in friendship and guidance, while using the other hand to reroute what you’d rather not have in your life when your stepchildren are with you.

a word on stepchildren

Hey Stepmom: You're nice.
You're pretty. You're smart,
too. By the way, my mom
says you're a witch.

We only listen to DADDY
and our mother, NOT YOU!

1. Be kind, so that others will be kind to you.
2. “Thank you,” “you’re welcome,” and “please” are
used in this house.
3. If you make a mess, clean it up.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
5. If you don’t have permission, ask for it before you do
something on your own.
6. Respect everyone and their personal belongings in
this house (even the cat’s).
7. Please share your ideas and feelings.
8. Be thankful for your blessings.