http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23071319/

This makes me wish there were more stepfathers on this site, so we could get their feedback on the issues we all face.

One thing I think is interesting is that they say stepfathers (and by extension stepmothers, I think) tend to be more critical of children who aren't theirs biologically. My take on this is that they are more realistic, not tainted by the ties of blood. But...

I used to praise my SD every time I saw her doing something positive. Nobody ever appreciated the good things I said, but boy did my husband jump on me like a duck on a bug when I said something negative.