While venting to a friend, who also struggles with some skid issues, she said something that got me thinking:

You didn't raise him so you can't expect him to be as great as your kids. DH raised him and he has to live with the way he turns out.

It helped me relax at the time and I really liked what she said.

But now, hours later, i am reminded of the constant battle in step families: Not all parents are raising the child to the standard of all of the adults being held accountable for the children. Whether it's a Custodial parent that doesn't enforce rules, or a blended family where one set of kids has a much higher standard of responsibility and respect - it's a constant challenge.

Hats off to all for signing up for this.