Kids - Why?

I am a step-parent. Not an evil stepmother (although my kids might disagree). I am involved in their lives. Sacrifice time, money and heartache for them. But even more so than birth parents, I am the target of their ire. After all, it is much safer to tell ones step parent to shove it than ones mother or father.

My relationship with my husband is such that I have been the main enforcer of discipline and schedule in the house as it pertains to the children. I have been willing to assume this role for years. Now however, things must change.

The youngest (age 16 - male) is becoming aggressive, difficult and I fear, violent. I am done with dealing with him. So now my husband and I are trying to develop a new dynamic in the household. He is taking on more and more responsibilities with his son, and I am trying to back away. It is hard on all three of us.

I hope things get better. I am tired of feeling unsafe and vulnerable in my own home.

Now, to work.