Men are not the only

@ '96 My daughters were asking ss about his private school. Ss said, “I’m glad my mom loves me enough to pay for my private school.”  Dh said, “When you were starting 1^st grade your mom called me and asked if I would mind if her parents paid for you to go to private school.   I said that was fine. Either way, it means your grandparents, your mom, and I all love you very much."

Ss was not a behavior problem while dh had custody age 9 months - 5 years old. Bm had custody beginning in kindergarten. Ss was kicked out of public school in 1st grade, and had to start private school. 

Concerned stepmom

 

'96 the girls called me on my cell phone complaining about ss, ss called dh who was with me on his cell phone complaining about the girls.  I was sticking up for my kids, dh sticking up for his son, and fortunately we caught ourselves.  We had our first family meeting when we got home.  We explained briefly the drama triangle, "one of the most damaging psychological processes that we see today." "It is used as a major teaching tool in the understanding of dysfunctional families."

Ss caught on immediately, "Why didn't you ever explain this before?!?" Fighting among our kids lessened.  We got better and better at seeking solutions rather than wallowing in problems.

Ss was beginning his journey to be able to apply his new found wisdom at his mom's home.

Concerned Stepmom