DH is my problem. I thought my skids were my problem, but it's how DH relates to them, not them. they are normal kids of 15 and 10. DH treats them like they shoulud be adults. He tried to give SS15 a shot of jaeger a few weeks ago. He yells at SS10 for having an imagination. I'm not totally devoid of blame in expecting a lot from them, but it's not because I want them to be adults. It's because I want them to be accountable for their actions. (SS10 has been faking sick and making him self sick for 3 days. I told him no TV today if he stayed home from school. DH said I was being too hard on him.... If he is sick, he should be resting, not playing video games or learning about South Park, CO. I also said he should not be eating dairy. DH gave him cereal for breakfast with milk.) Anyway, I know all the tricks, so I expect them not to try to play them and just be honest with me. DH says I'm being too hard... how about hwen you told SS10 that he should "shut up about the stupid magic wand!" ARgh! The kid is playing a stupid game and he screams at him. What is his problem? And can't he say it a little nicer? How hard would it be to say "I'm sorry, buddy, but I'm too tired to get involved in talk about magic and portals tonight. How about tomorrow?" or something like that? How hard? Why does he have to say things to us like "Do I need to write it down for you so you don't screw it up?" Couldn't he just say "I wrote a note to remind you." or "Do you want me to write it down so you don't forget?" Just something a little less agressive? A little more caring? There are days I hate him.