When I first separated from the ex people would always say how it was a good thing we didn't have kids. In the begining it was a terrible thing to have said to me. Looking at this thread and the SuperNanny marathons on the weekends I see they were right. I'd never stand for disrespect; not from big people not from little people. Not from green people not from blue people. No way, no how.I wouldn't have dare done it to either of my parents and wouldn't allow a kid of mine to do it to me.

I wish you all luck.

@Nax... they tried to flunk to save you money. That tugs on the heartstrings.
We have had our acting out days... each kid seemed to handle it differently. They are all turning out amazingly well despite our/my issues. I only regret that I didn't model a successful married relationship to any of them. We are all blessed that as a family, we love and care for each other and no body was on drugs or alcohol, no one shaking up, everyone showed up for visits, games, concerts, parent - teacher conferences. Certainly bumps in the road, but mostly a spirit of cooperation when it comes to co-parenting. I just wish I knew what it's like to have a good marriage. Since my Dad died when I was 5 and my Mom never remarried or dated, I have no clue.
That's my only regret.

yes my son is 10 he gets pissed when u tell him to do chores or home work all he wants is for me to spend money. He fight with my 2 daughters and the fight with him to provoke him. it has calmed down he goes to therapy but he doesn't express himself.

Have you tried belt therapy?

If anyone knows the intimate details of my life they know the hell that my oldest son has put me through. His behavior is almost unforgivable. This is an extremely smart, handsome, outgoing child that has been so scarred by the actions of his father. I will never forgive that crackhead for what he did to my son.

My daughter has been to a play therapist - they have a good relationship and she helps supplement what I do. I hug her a lot and let her vent when she needs to, because that's what people do, and I want her to be able to express herself. But, she knows that hitting is not right and she wouldn't like it done to herself. That took team work between her therapist, myself and her teacher. I tell her positive things about herself, I understand when she is regressing and do my best to do what she needs at that time, but she also knows there is a line - no physical violence and I always tell her to use her words.

We read together and I help her understand words and feelings. I probably don't do very well, but we have a give and take understanding. When she's older she will have to know how to negotiate conflict and differences and that's all we can give them. Most schools where I live offer these services - it's not embarrassing or a failure - I wish I had them when I was younger.

Lots of love

my son is MAD, which of course he takes out on me because I am the "safe" person.

Ditto...my two year old is very aggressive. I'm not sure if it's the split or she's just like her dad....we try to spend a lot of time with them but i think we are spoiling them out of guilt. It's hard to keep a balance.

Hello. First of all i am sorry about your troubles, i hope things improve for your family. Second, it was kind of the other way round for me. I was rasied by only my mother and when she remarried when i was in my early teens i became agressive and unruly. Thankfully i became a sensible, hardworking, well rounded adult (if i do say so myself lol) and i now think of my step-father as just that, a father. I don't know if it is the end of your marriage that has caused this shift in behaviour, most probably, but i think it's just a young persons way of adjusting to a change in the norm. I am sure you'll both be there for her and once she adjusts she will be fine. Good luck to you and your family.

Mine have been acting out big time esp. our 5yr old. Just a few min ago in the car she started throwing a temper tantrum I told her to stop it right now. I'm not putting up with this anymore. She doesn't do it at her dads and she is going to stop doing it with me.

My nine year old his step-son yells all the time. I've talked to him about it and hopefully it will get better.

It's hard on everyone when parents get divorced esp. on the kids. Hopefully your kids and everyone elses on here will adjust soon.