Do you live in a stepfamily? What are the best parts about it? Whats difficult about it? Your first name:    Age:         Submit your own You Said It question and we might use it!

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"Brielle 11, If your sibs are doing the karaoke late at night, tell them to do it in the day when everyone is awake. If not, tell a grown-up. Hope this helps..."
--Cardninalfan, 11

"It's weird!"
--Natalie, 10

"I live with my Daddy his wife (which is my step mom) and my 4 step sistas and brotha (which is my step mom kids kinaya 15, sharonda12, aniva 8 and dameon 4) and my 2 sistas (Ra'kaya 5 and Sa'von 7) the thing I hate most about my step mom and her kids is how she favorite her kids against us. She calls me and my real sistas ugly beast and all dese bad rude comments. I have no problem with her kids except the first one kinaya she is just like her mom. I wish I lived with my mom bt my is always "Busy" so we barely see her. My dad and my step mom is getting married august 30 and I think my step mom pregnat. So I hate her and her kids I wish my dad coulda found a betta loving carying fiance den her. "
--Da'nella, 13

"I do not want to visit my dad's house but we have a court order saying I have to. "
--Tyler, 13

"I really do not like my stepmom. She is mean and gets annoyed at me as if I am some sort of pest. I don't want to tell my dad I do not like her, because I feel like he would be pressured into breaking up with her, just because of me, even though he likes her."
--Devyn, 11

"Well I have a step dad that is constantly restricting my actions. First of all, I love to run, I am in both varsity Cross Country and Track, the problem is my step dad always tries to find a way to take me out of my sport, I've talked to him so many times about how stress relieving it is and that it makes me happy, but he just won't get it. He told me like 2 days ago that I cannot run anymore because I may just be in the sport because there are guys on the team, which is completely absurd. I have never given him a reason why not to trust me and it is really hurtful, I am a straight A student who is very involved in school, but he limits me too much, for no reason at all. How should I approach him, I've talked to him various times but he always finds an excuse to get me out of the team."
--Michelle

"Well my brother and sister are living with their adopted parents and she won't let us see each other?"
--Alexis, 9

"Vanna- you and your mom need to stop this. If she is that unhappy with him maybe they should go their separate ways. It doesn't sound like it's a good situation. Maybe you and your mom could go to a school or marriage counselor about this problem. Best of luck!"
--Dorinda

"My dad married this lady who I absolutely hate. I know hate is a strong word, but it's a word that just has to be used when it's the truth. She's got two kids who need to get a life. Having my dad marry her was the worst thing that has ever happened to me and my brothers. He's staying with her for the rest of his life, now I just can't it anymore. Ever since he was with her he acted like he just hates having us around. So, now I'm considering living with my mom and her fiancŽ. The worst thing is, my parents just got separated and he turned it into a divorce. I HATE IT! I NEED HELP!"
--Ashley

"I do have a step mom, her name is Katilyn. She's really nice, except when she loses her temper...Wow."
--Gabriella, 11

"I really admire this girl in my class. She has a half-brother but she treats him just like a normal brother and she truly loves him and is sooooooooo close to him. I am inspired by here..."
--Melindrada, 12

"I cannot stand my mom's husband!"
--Ashlyn h, 11

"Okay, my dad don't have a new wife, just a girlfriend, but we live with her. I absolutely dislike her, and I will never like her. Everyday I think about how if my dad stays with her, it will ruin our friendship with each other, and if he stays with her, he will eventually end up losing me, (as in me moving in with my mom). When my dad is around her, he acts totally different, and it makes me want to cry because it seems like I will never get to see the old dad I had when my parents were together., I mean it is a big change when you go from a dad who would always go hunting and fishing and that was father daughter time to something totally different. I am afraid to tell him how I feel though."
--CC, 13

"Ever since my mom married another guy, he forced us to let him be the dictator of the family! He decides our holiday rituals, and we have no say! He makes us eat what he wants, even if we're allergic to it! He makes us go to bed at 6:00, even if we haven't had dinner yet! HELP ME!"
--Vanna, 12

"My stepmom hates me and my stepbrother. She always takes my stepsister's side."
--Madcow, 11

"I hate my step mum, she is a born liar! And is trying to split me and dad up."
--Isobel

"Will my mom got married to my stepdad and I got one real sister and one real brother and two step sisters and three step brothers and a half sister and my dad got remarried four time the one he of now got 3 girls and I got a half brother and of another women my dad has twin girls and then he has a step son he still talk to sometimes."
--Daniel

"I live in a stepfamily. I have 2 stepbros and 1 stepsis and a new stepdad. I love living in a stepfamily. I got use to them right away."
--Molly, 12

"I have a stepbrother and sister my step brother is not bad but my older sister and her share a room they gossip about celebrities and thing like that really loudly and there room is right next to mine and they also do karaoke late at night when I'm trying to sleep."
--Brielle, 11

"I have a step dad, and he thinks that he is the main boss! I really think that he is horrible. He is so mean when my mom leaves, and makes rude jokes. He thinks that he is the main rule maker, and he's just my step dad! I want to go live with my dad, but I don't want to hurt my mom's feelings. HELP!"
--Brianna

"I live in a stepfamily I have a new stepbro and a new stepsis and a new stepdad I love living in a stepfamily I got use to them right away."
--Molly, 12

"I'm so sorry for all of you with terrible stepfamilies! I really am. It's just awful!"
--Faizah, 12

"To me it's a step-family...I hate living with my cousins. I've lived with them since I was 3, but to me it's like I was adopted by aliens from another planet-! They don't understand me at all-! Fact: I want to go live with my dad-! I got into an argument with my cousin (I call her mom) about me going to live with my dad. She made it out to sound like I don't respect her, or all they have done for me. But that's not true-! I do respect them, I just want to live with my dad. I want to get to know him better, I don't remember him much. I just found out about a week ago that I have a 9-year-old little sister named Mykaela that I've never met b4. She lives at my dad's house. My mom just doesn't get the concept of me growing up, and making my own choices-! It really ticks me off when she tries to RUN MY LiFE-! -! -! She's not my real mom, thank GOD. But still...! -! -! -MOM STOP TRYiNG TO RUN MY LiFE-! -! -! I need some space."
--AnimeGirl <3

"My mom got remarried when I was 5. By now I'm used to it. I like my stepfather better then my real dad..."
--Danielle

"I hate my step mother. She's a neat freak and overall gold digger. My dad is completely "Whipped." I figured out a while ago that he cheated on my mom with her 5 years before the divorce was finalized. That's disgusting. I haven't called him (or her) on it but I've lost immense amount of respect for my father. He's just lost it..."
--Anne

"It's kinda hard I guess it's hard to get used to a new dad."
--A naruto fan gurl

"My mom got married more than a year ago, I still do NOT like her husband. To me he is just SOME guy."
--Ash, 11

"Well I don't live in a step family but my parents r split up. I live with my mom but I talk 2 my dad about 2wice a week. And I just found out last month I am going to be a 1/2 brother...Great..."
--Rew

"Ok I need some advice this is the first year I've had a stepmom so do I get her a mothers day present?"
--Emily, 10

"My mom might get married to this nice guy named Dan. Sometimes we fight sometimes we don't. That's life..."
--EMOgurl, 12

"I have a step mom who is very nice and extremely funny and probably the prettiest person I have ever met but she's kinda an airhead about household stuff like she didn't know how a cheese grater worked but she's learning my dad and step mom have 3 kids together Harlan who is 5 almost 6 and Nicolette who just turned 4 and Lily who's 1 and she's pregnant with twins Sara and Delia there adopting 2 kids Rosalind 9 and Fletcher 12 my dad already had Evan 16 Jacob 14 Tillie 13 me 12 Isabella 11 and Addie 7 it was hard having a step mom at first but I like it now."
--Zoe, 12

"My stepmum is really nice to me when my dad is there but whenever my dad goes out she is so mean to me. The other day my brother and stepbrother beat me up. Then they twisted the story and got me into trouble. I felt like I wanted to die. My stepbrother kicked my head when I sat down and I hit my temple on the door frame. : ' (."
--Livvy, 12

"My dad promised me he wouldn't ever get married again. When he proposed to my stepmum I was happy. I told my stepbrother the promise my dad had made to me and he told my stepmum. She had a go at me saying none of you kids are ever going to split me and your dad up."
--Olivia, 12

"Kitten 11 Good for Your stepdad! I have great respect for soldiers. But keep this chatroom politically unbiased so we don't have a big online argument among other kids."
--Jason, 12

"Heya everyone my name is Emily and I love my step mum and she is having a baby the baby's head is engaged so it should be along any day now I am so excited guys who are on here complaining don't let your folks get you down I know where your all coming from it will get better I promise they go through phases just like we do and try and talk to them like an adult I you have any questions just ask and I will see if I can helpxxx- I am not just saying that I have had experience- my mum and dad divorced when I was 2 the both got remarried my nanna died my mum got depression and then my stepmum got pregnant it all got better in the end I really want to help you all xx."
--Emily, 13

"My mom and dad aren't divorced, but my BF is. She lived in my town with her mom, but, she just moved with her dad to Chicago. I miss her so much. We were very close. : (."
--Rebekkah, 11

"No, but my friend does. I feel bad for her ’Äò’Äòcuz I met her step-mom and she's REALY mean to my friend. Friend also says she's got terrible pms, poor friend."
--Rose, 12

"I have a stepmom and stepdad My stepmom's name is Krista and stepdad's name is Robbie I love them a lot and they each will have a special place in my heart."
--Taryn, 9

"My stepdad is in the Army. His name is Jeffrey. At first, I thought he was a jerk (Jeffrey, if you're reading this, I'm SO SORRY! ), but my mom explained to me why he acted like that. Now that I know, I can't wait for him to come back (curse you, Bush! ) and I wrote him a letter but I didn't send it yet. I want to spend more time with him and get to know him more. We might have something in common."
--Kitten, 11

"I was only four when my mom died, and my dad re-married when I was eight. My step-mom has kids of her own, who are nine and fifteen. My stepsister (who is nine), and my other stepsister have a really close relationship with me. I have also gotten used to calling my stepmom Laura "Mom"."
--Sabrina, 12

"I have a step family. It's cool because I go back and forth and we do different things in each family and more family members. But the very difficult thing is when you have to choose which family you want to stay with."
--Fadil, 12

"This happened like a month ago. My rents got divorced so my mom AND dad got remarried. Mom married a man with no kids. But dad...Oh dad! He married a girl with four boys! Juan (12), Alex (13), Alan (14), and Jason (16)! They are all older than me. My bro nick (15, also use to be the only boy in our family) is sooo happy. But they are always picking on me!"Gonna cry, little girl!?" they treat me like I'm six. They treat my little real little sises (Hana (4), Mally (6), and Kimi (9) ) like trash. And my stepmom Kara, I hate her more than ur stupid sons combined! She makes me and my sibs do most of the house work and for no reason she gets me and my sisters and brother in trouble! Like when everyone (all 11 ppl) were at dinner. I was busy eating right when Kara said, "Robbie (my dad's name is really rob), Jessica is giving me a nasty look!" Then I'll yell, "My name is Yessica!" Then my dad gets all upset and tells me to go to my room while IT'S (yes it's) kids laugh at me. (I also have to share a room with Kimi ( (which is okay) ), and Juan, he messes with me the most. Man I don't like Kara and her family. I don't like going to my dad's house, but Kimi (which I'm her role model) begs me to go. Kara I hate UUUU!"
--Yessica, 11

"Well my dad remarried and he used to tell me not to call him daddy because it made him feel old but I had to call him by his first name. So when I went to his new house with his new wife and step kids they were calling him daddy and dad his step daughter who is the same age as me got to call him dad. After that I had a resentment towards my dad I stopped going over to his house on the weekends and after a while I stopped calling him and answering his phone calls. On thanksgiving he came over with his "New" family and during dinner he called me pumpkin it made cry because that was what he called me before he left. After that me and my dad went for a walk and worked things out. Now we are close and we have father/daughter days..."
--Alicin, 12

"My Dad is getting remarried so now I'm gonna have a Stepmom, 2 stepsisters."
--Erin, 13

"Hello! I have 2 stepfamilies. They're so awesome! On my dads side and another on my moms side. My stepmom's name is Rachel, she's really cool and so is her 5 children! But unfortunately I'm in middle of six kids, it stinks, but they're all cool! My stepdad's name is Ronald, he's so much funner than my mom but she's okay too! He only has 2 children but they have twins on the way! I'm so excited! Well at first it was really ruff when I met everyone and we didn't quite get along. But eventually we started to be the best of friends! Well some of us. But it's all going great now..."
--Lindy, 12

"Yes I have one it's a good thing it's on the weekends but the bad thing my step bro and my step sis they always act like jerks."
--Tazzmyn, 12

"I'm adopted it's no fun."
--Dj

"Hi I'm Kaley and I need help! My parents are divorced and my dad already has a girlfriend but I'm staying with my mom, now she found her a boyfriend! She doesn't know what to DO I need help fast!"
--Kaley, 9

"Hiya, this is allll about my step mum. It was all planned. My best friend Vikki is having her birthday sleepover! Her 13th and I didn't clean my room straight away when she asked and now I'm not allowed to go! Ahhhh! I hate her so much what should I do?!?!?! Help so much please."
--Tiffany L, 13

"No I don't have a stepfamily my friend does Danielle."
--Lauren

"I have my dad Bradley, My step dad Jerry, my mom Esther, my sister Kimberly, my brother Andrew, his wife Diana, my other sister Candyce then my friend sister Abigail, me Alexis and my dog Dusty."
--Lexi, 9

"I don't have any, but my friends does. They hate their stepdad."
--Seronica

"My stepsister is totally immature and insecure. She's very jealous of me. Lets call her "Sally." She gets special treatment and she thinks she is better than me. If she's so much better than me, then why does my dad say that she lies about her life in the city her dad lives in, her friends, her life, and herself in general. She is failing the sixth grade and a get straight A's and I basically do all the chores in the house, am on the yearbook club, newspaper committee, I volunteer at the library and a nursing home, and play basketball. She thinks that the city her dad lives in and her home country is better than America. If it's so much better then why did she come here. I just wish that she would get back to her home country and out of my life. But I want my stepmom to stay with my dad because I know that both of my parents and my stepmom would be happier without her. She needs to get over herself and go somewhere."
--Katie, 13

"After reading this, Ahhhhhhhh! I FEEEL SOOOOOOOO SORRY FOR ALL O' YALL!"
--Anonymous

"I have no good things about my fam accept my mom but other than that, I hate my step dad he's a big jerk."
--Britany, 11

"My favorite part about having a step family is that I have more people to talk to when I've had a bad day and that neither of my parents are alone anymore. What I don't like is that I have to share my older brother and twin sister Marikia with new people, plus we worry about our stuff when we visit our parents."
--Zsofi, 12

"I HATE my stepsister!"
--Anonymous, 13

"I don't have a step family but I really do haaaaate my mom I have this laptop she's afraid that I'm gonna do something bad on it so she tells me to keep it down stairs and on weekends I have to carry it all the way upstairs again and I have to carry my charger my Iphone speaker charger my laptops mouse it's really heavy I have to carry everything up again up and down she's so annoying and so strict I hate her she's such a b! Tch! >: (."
--Diana, 11

"Ashley: Go move with your dad! NOW! I am not playing" Move to the Other House." Your mom has no right to treat you like that? Go go go go go! NOW!"
--Anonymous

"Yes I do, my dad lives in California with my twin older brothers and my 14 year old sister, my mom and my step-dad live in here with my twin younger brothers, my older sister, and my younger sister and my 2 dogs."
--Aimee, 13

"My mom and dad are both re-married, and I love my step dad LOTS."
--Anonymous

"My moms parents are divorced my stepgram is okay but I will take nana any old day!"
--Tookie, 13

"My parents divorced when I was 3 months. But then my mum found a boyfriend who she lived with for 6 years before they eventually married when I was 8. Unfortunately I couldn't have stepsibs because my mum was to old."
--Tam, 10

"I have a problem with my mom trying to make me treat my new stepdad like my real dad. I don't want to get to close to him because I have had 6 step dads before this one. My sister is only 4 and doesn't know not to get to close to my or my mom's boyfriends because they're just going to leave. I have to have more step sibs than any one in the state. Please help me!"
--Rachel, 11

"My step mom DESTROYED my life! She tore my dad away from my mom. I currently live with my dad, and let me tell you it is hell! I have nothing wrong with my dad it's just my step mom! Whenever I see her face I want to turn around and puke! I won't eat food she touches not even if it's made from a restaurant. I try to answer her with yes or no, try not to go in depth. I hear her voice and my brain sets on fire! As you can tell I hate her with a passion. I wish they hadn't got married. I hope they get divorced! I wish she never existed."
--Harry, 13

"Hi everyone - hope all the bad situations Improve soon. I know mine won't."
--Charlotte, 13

"I have a stepdad (let's call him John). Let me tell you: he STINKS! My mom is on the phone with him all day, like "Oh John, oh when are you coming home? I miss you and Sasha and Devin and Dyani all miss you too." She's right but one. I DON'T MISS HIM! He's in the Army. I know I SHOULD miss him, but I don't. It's like I was driving a brand new convertible on the Road of Life, when all of a sudden John the pothole comes and wrecks my car, and now all I have is a cruddy station wagon. I'm depressed each day. Whenever my mom talks about him, I HAVE to say something mean about him. My mom thinks I'm just being smart-mouthed, but if I don't say anything, I go crazy. Now my life is ruined. Thanks a lot, John! Go mess up someone else's life, like that lady you took 2 Florida that wasn't my mom! (Oops. Did I say that out loud? ) And 2 make matters worse, they're going to some place in Feb! But I have a plan. I'll stow away in the trunk. They'll never see me there! (He, he. They don't call me devious for nothin'! )."
--Kitten, 10

"I don't technically have a stepfamily, but my mom's best friend moved in, and she has a daughter. Her (my kinda-sorta stepmom) 's name is Cass. She's really nice. My stepsis Erin is nice, but she hogs the TV too much..."
--ProudToBeIrish, 12

"My dad remarried, and I can't say it's been favorable. My stepbrother gets away with everything, and I get yelled at even for the littlest thing. My step-mom has taken over my place in the family, and my dad definitely chooses her over me- he was going to kick me out before they married so it was just them!"
--Anonymous

"I hate my stepfamily they are idiots."
--Katie, 10

"When my sister Jessie turned 27 she had a baby I thought that it would work out and everything but then she said she would move in YAY! I was soooo exited. But over time it started to get out of hand pictures of the baby went everywhere from the living room to the hallways to the kitchen to well EVERYWHERE now I'm really jealous and my sister is mad mean to everyone. My niece gets everything that she wants and guess what I get? ZIP! I have had so much going on in my life...Then this????? I haven't seen my mother since I was 2 now she lives in Florida and has 3 other children I'm the oldest of 4 then I still see my real father...Then I got adopted when I was 8 then I was the youngest of 3 and then I though life was great till that little monster came."
--Saree, 12

"Hi Katrina...I know exactly what ur going through...My sister has the biggest attitude towards me...She yells at me all the time and is constantly giving me dirty looks...Se is 28 she had a baby and she lives with me and I am felling like I'm invisible...Like you said I try talking to her and it doesn't seem to work. Peace...Any questions anyone?"
--Saree, 13

"I don't have a step family but I have two moms and two dads. This is because our parents "Adopted" their family and their family did the same now I have three other sisters one is 2 months older one is 4 years older and one is two years younger It's really cool because we all love each other like crazy. THIS IS A SHOUTOUT TO TIFFANY, JESS, AND SABRINA! LOVE U GUYS!"
--Dorinda, 13

"No, I don't have a step family, but my friend Gabbie does..."
--Shay-Shay, 11

"The hard part about it is that my step dad know that I am his child but he act like I am his blood child it is ok at times and not at times. Because when I talk to a boy he said that I do him wrong by talking to a boy."
--Nefretiri

"It's hard because you cant see them together ever again it breaks the child's life apart they don, t know what to besides cry their eyes out. There is no good part."
--Stephanie, 9

"My mom just got re-married to this guy named Justin. He's really nice. He has one daughter (which is my stepsis). Her name is Megan. She's 11 too. She like my best friend. My mom and Justin are having a baby named Riley. Me and Megan are sooooo excited!"
--Kirsten, 11

"No, I don't live in a step family. But a acquaintance in my class does. She said that she doesn't care for it much..."
--BusyGirl123

"My cousin has a stepdad and step brother and little step sister. Well, if she's my cousin, that means that those are my step relatives! They are actually pretty nice and treat my cousin and my aunt good. If you're wondering where my uncle is, he died from a heart attack. Oh, and this isn't the family with the divorce! (:."
--Ashlie<3, 12

"I live with a stepsister. Her name is Erin. She's 18."
--ProudToBeIrish, 12

"My step mother can be a pain. I know she might mean good sometimes. Maybe she even REALLY DOES care about me. But I hate how she blames things on me when it's never my fault. My dad does nothing. I don't care. He's never really home that much anyway. But seriously. Can she just stop ranting and nagging at me?! It's like impossible to shut her up!"
--Victoria

"I hate my dads girl friend, she ruins my life and my father always picks her over me and on Christmas she goes and buys him a present using his credit card! She uses him for his money! And when she moved in, she has been redecorating everything! I hate her so, so much!"
--Shelby, 13

"Ok well I know people have had worse things in their life but you have to hear the whole thing too understand! It all started out about 3 years ago my mom just stopped caring she stopped coming home every night, stopped coming to my concerts and stopped loving me than my parents confronted me and told me they were getting divorced I was so upset and terrified of what was too come! Seen as my mom seemed incapable of taking care of me I decided to live with my dad we had moved to Atlanta to get away from it 9 months later we moved again my dad telling me he had a guaranteed job I made loads of friends and started cheering with the occasional bad drama from my mother! It's been a year and half since we moved and we just now recently moved again, it's hard too leave everything behind that often I'm in high school and I cheer and it was so much too taken on but lets freeze and rewind to spring break 07 my dad told me he had a girlfriend and we were going on a cruise to get to know one another! She had one daughter and spoke very little English. After that they came over to visit a lot but august 10 changed my life they got married and I've been miserable ever since she's all over my dad."
--Rachel

"My step-dad is so rude. He's hypocritical and he thinks kids are there to cater to his every whim. It's so annoying! Even when I'm on doctor's orders to stay in bed he has me doing chores! He makes me stop doing the homework I have to catch up on to do chores! And he's overly critical! I can't do anything without getting yelled at! He's so mean about everything. The worst part is my mom blames me for them fighting because of our arguing! I can't stand it!"
--Christy, 13

"I do not live in a stepfamily, but for those of you who do: I am praying for you!!!!"
--Yellowforever, 12

"Nope. But my bff sorta does. She has a stepdad, stepbro, and stepsis! She tells me it's way crazy. Lol. (:."
--BeachBumm88

"I don't live in a stepfamily, but I have a friend, Marina, that did. Her dad died in a motorcycle accident when she was eleven and in sixth grade. I remember the day, it was horrible. She was called to go to the office for a message during lunch, and when she came back, she said while sobbing that her dad had died while riding his motorcycle to work. I was bawling too, because her dad was a wonderful man, and I hated to see my best friend like this. Her mom went on an Internet dating web site and was dating within a week of the death of Marina's father. This hurt Marina, because she felt that her mom didn't care about her dad. Her mom married this man only two months later. He had no children, because he pretty much despised them! Marina's mom had rudely not told him about her daughter because she knew that he didn't like children but really wanted to remarry. Marina's stepfather threatened her and ordered her about all the time. I recall her saying that in behavior he was identical to the Trunchbull from Matilda. We told her to call social services, but she just wouldn't. Eventually my sister and I called, and Marina's stepdad was arrested. She went to live with her Aunt Elena, who lives in Argentina. We live in New York City. I haven't heard from Marina for a while, but I'm happy that she is safe with her loving aunt. I hope that I never have to witness the things I did."
--Helene

"Both of my parents got remarried: my mom 2 years ago and my dad earlier this year. My mom is having a new baby, which will be my half brother. We are naming him Drake. And my dad said he won't have any new children with my new step mom Samantha. My new step dad is Chris. I'm lucky because they're both really nice."
--Dan, 12

’ÄúMy dad got married 1 year ago. The best thing is she is really funny and nice. The bad thing is she sometimes is stuck ALL on herself. So if you have a stepmom like this you are not the only one.’Äù
--Greta, 10

’ÄúI love my ganny. She’Äôs nice to us. She’Äôs in my life and our family. She always calls us too.’Äù
--Katharine

’ÄúMy step mum is awful! I know every child complains about a stepparent, it is natural because they are nothing to do with you but they try to act like they are everything to do with you! My step mum has two children they are so unbelievably lazy, it is almost impossible, they don't work, they don't go to college, actually they don't do anything, however she finds that they are the best thing since sliced bread and they do everything right. When she complains about housework, she complains to me; She has just gave me a lecture 'you don't do anything, you need to pull your finger out your lazy, my kids do nothing but you do even less than them'. So, I go to school five days a week, work hard so that I can get grades of A and B standards, I will come home maybe sort out the dishwasher but most probably go to my room and stay there locked up all night studying ignoring everyone downstairs, because I hate them. I love my dad, but the only time I see him is in the morning, briefly, whilst he is making her breakfast, her cup of tea and her lunch, now that is a man who is completely and utterly controlled. I really can't wait 'til I’Äôm 18, so that I can move onto university and live away from her and see my dad every so often. Not so long ago, my dad and her broke up apparently they were going to sell the house, and go to there own ones, that was the happiest day of me and my brothers life's, we felt like breaking out an expensive bottle of bubbly, then the day after they got back together. She has made my life terrible I have tried to move out into my Mum's house but her alcohol and drug habit makes it hard to persevere with her. Also, my brother has moved out to his friends because he cannot stand the woman, so I have no one at my house I sit here in my bedroom moping about and really she has just turned my life upside down, I cannot stand her. Even my brother has moved out because of her ridiculous ways!’Äù
--Paige

"Ok so my mom decided to move in with this horrible guy that drinks and smokes...Ugh it makes me mad. I hate him because he has done some many bad things to me in life and I tell my mom and she don't believe me. They get into fights often and when they do he sweet talks her and they are all back together...Ugh anyone...PLEASE help me...How do I get them to break up...Ugh we don't even live in our town that I go to school and my mom goes to work in. If anyone has any ideas to help me. Please. Thank you all for reading..."
--Heather

"I have a step grandma. She's sometimes mean, but I love her."
--Alyssa, 9

"My stepmom is annoying, whiny, immature. Think of the worst person you know and multiply that by 100 and you have an idea of what she's like. She has 2 kids, Chloe 9, and Caitlin 13, who spend all my dads' money and whine constantly. My stepmom was nice when they were dating but now I HATE her!"
--Brianna

"I HATE him!!! Whenever I'm in a bad mood (which is a lot because, Hello! I'm a teenage girl! ) he acts like it's a horrible thing and wont leave me alone until I tell him what's wrong. And then when I don't tell him, he gets in a bad mood and then we'll start fighting and yelling and I'll get in an even worse mood and so does he. It keeps going like that until either I or he leaves the house for a few days. And he NEVER listens! Whenever my mom sees the stuff he does she tries to talk to him but he doesn't really listen. And sometimes my mom gets on my case for not giving him respect but it's not like he gives me any! And then to top it all off he sometimes wants me to hug him and then when I don't let him touch me, he wonders why??? And then I'm like Are you serious?? God! Sometimes it's just too much!"
--E, 13

"My mom has two WEIRD stepbrothers."
--Anon, 13

"I have a stepdad, a stepbrother, 2 stepsisters and a stepmom on the way, and she has 2 boys and 5 girls."
--Daniel

"I have 1 stepmom and 1 stepdad. It can be hard sometimes because you have to meet lots of people from you step mom or dad's family. It's cool ’Äòcause your family gets bigger and sometimes you get brothers and sisters (step). Soo it's okay having a step-family and...I have 2!"
--Marla

’ÄúMy dad remarried about 5 years ago and it has just been difficult. She is an evil greedy witch. She has a daughter who is 14 and she gets everything she demands. Yeah, she doesn’Äôt bother asking anymore. She had her first semi-formal high school dance which mean a nice skirt or summer dress and her mother went out and bought her an $800 dress!!!! It is crazy. She just spends all my dad’Äôs money on her daughter only and lies and hides everything. And we are supposed to do chores everyday, and I do all mine ’Äòcuz I would get in lots of trouble if I didn’Äôt. And my stepmom does all my sister’Äôs so that she can go run around and hang out with all these boys. Oh and when my boyfriend comes over she tries to get me in trouble with my father by telling him my boyfriend is a bad guy and lots of other horrible things. I really, really hate her!’Äù
--Amanda

"My stepmom is atrocious. I primarily live with my mother but every other weekend I have the unfortunate visit with my father and the evil force known as my stepmother. Before they were married, I simply thought the woman was decent but boy was I wrong! After their wedding in December of 2006, Things slowly began to change. My dad seems to be constantly tired all the time and does not take me to do things or buy me items anymore. I don't do anything with him and when my brother and I visit his house, we basically stay in our rooms the whole weekend. My stepmother is a whiny, immature, ignorant, and self centered individual who often is a liar. She causes scenes on purpose to attract attention! For instance, My brother wanted to see Ghost Rider for his birthday so all 4 of us (father, stepmother, me, brother) attended an evening showing. Sounds like a family fun night, right? Wrong! After the movie, my stepmother burst out of the theater crying and whining that the movie worshipped the devil. People were staring and she single-handedly ruined my brother's 14th birthday outing. If that's not enough for you, she is often a very controlling person as well. My father lets my brother watch Saw, Hostel, Hills Have Eyes, etc. But my stepmother does not like scary movies so my brother can never watch any of his favorites in the living room. Careful analysis of a film must be taken into consideration before we watch a movie. She also doesn't like Family Guy as well so that is forbidden from being played in the living room and sadly, my dad even likes that show. My stepmother becomes jealous of other women on screen as well and often changes the channel if something pops up that she does not approve of my dad seeing. She is 32 and he is 44. I can't stand her! I can't stand her! I can't stand her! I hope my dad will one day see how the woman he is married to who doesn't care much about anybody but herself."
--Andrew

"I hate my stepdad. He makes me work and he instantly makes me do things when I am trying to have fun, like on the computer, or talking to someone on the phone. He calls me lazy and non-worker, and he loves to send me to my room."
--Sam, 12

"I HATE my stepdad, I can't help being mean sometimes. He is HORRIBLE. I wish my mom never got married. Whenever I try to tell my Mom it's all my problem. She doesn't understand at ALL. I was in counseling, but my mom took me out because she feels it won't help me. I HATE it!"
--Meredith, 13

"Guys: All of you out there with mean stepparents and parents won't do anything about it is because they are blinded by love. Say: I don't care whether you like her or not. You're just blinded by love! Go hang out with your new "Best friend."."
--Anonymous

"I hate my stepdad so much!!!"
--Anonymous, 13

"I don't have a stepfamily."
--DramaQueen4Eva33, 13

"I should never hate anyone but I highly dislike my stepdad. He is always mean to me, and tells me I do no work around the house. The truth is he doesn't do any work at all. He is taking advantage of my mom who works to support the whole family. On my 14th birthday people who weren't even related to me sent me a cake and came to my house. My dad started talking bad about me to the guest right in front of me. I'm very religious and try not to swear at all but being around my stepdad makes me go out of control sometimes. I can't wait until I'm old enough to move out of this house."
--Chin-lin

"I don't have a stepfamily, but my crush is part of a quite a few. His mom had been married once before he was born and she had 2 sons. Then after a few years they got a divorce and she got a boyfriend and had 1 daughter and 1 son. Then after a few years she met my crush's dad and they got married and had my crush and then a girl. Then they got divorced and she met a new guy and had 1 kid with him. He has so many sibs. His dad was married twice before he had my crush. He had 2 kids. 1 from each marriage. Then after the divorce of his parents his dad had 2 more kids. My crush is my best guy friend right now so he told me EVERYTHING! He lives a crazy life, it's so weird to go over to his house. I meet a new person every time I go there to work on projects. I know my crush likes me too. We're talking about getting together right now, we just don't wanna hurt our friendship. His little sister (all blood, not half) hates me though cuz I'm always at his house or he is always at my house. Once she said to me "I DON'T LIKE U! MY BROTHER SAID HE HATE U!" I looked at my crush (His name is Sean) and he whispered, "She's a kid. She just hates you because she likes me and were always together" so then I smiled at him and nodded. Well I gtg bye!"."
--Shayla

"I hate my dads girlfriend!!!!!!! She is an EVIL WITCH!!!!!!!!"
--Anonymous

"They don't have any best parts. They are some jerks. I miss my mom. I can't take my dad."
--Dan, 13

"My mom got re-married and had a baby when I was 9. It was so hard (Especially 'cuz my dad died when I was 8). My half brother soaked up all her time and when she said she'd do something fun with me, her new husband would nudge my mom and she'd blow it off for the baby! One night I was going into the kitchen to get a drink of water and I heard them talking. My mom said "I love Kayla!" then he said "Do you love this kid more than Justine?" then my mom said "Well, no I don't love Kayla more than Justine, I've been with her for a lot." then it happened. My stepdad put up his hand and slapped her! I grabbed the camera while he was doing it and clicked a photo. It made the "CLING" sound of a camera and they heard me. I grabbed the phone and ran to the bathroom and locked the door. I dialed the police number and they came hurrying. Kayla (my half sis) stayed with us for a few years. Then our stepdad got out of jail, he wanted Kayla. But because of what he did he didn't get her. I love Kayla. : )."
--Justine, 13

"I have NO stepfamily, but I do have a, I think, well I don't know, but this lady and my dad used to be married and they got divorced, so I think I have two stepsisters. If that's what you call it."
--Lilly5210, 13

"I have a friend who has a stepfamily. Her brother is only with her for three days a month, but he drives her nuts by doing graffiti on everything. We went to a park and she showed us where he did it..."
--HermioneFan66

"My stepmum is fun kind and fun. My stepdad I don't care for. It seems he likes my stepsister, who I've been BFF's with forever, better than me. And my stepmum has more kids and she still finds time for me!!"
--Brittany, 10

"HI. I have a stepfamily. My mom married a guy named Keith. He's super cool. My sister is 13 and named Kerry. My two stepbrothers are Aidan (11), and Zachary (13). Our family gets along great. My stepbrother Aidan and I are best friends. Zachary and me are good friends too, but him and my sister aren't. But everything's perfect."
--Chloe, 11

"My mom is my mom. I don't have a stepfamily but I hate my mom. She points at people and makes faces. When she's near me, she tries to get attention by insulting me and saying mean things. I have the best dad ever but he says I have to listen to her. I love her because she spends money on us without complaining and she works hard for the money, but I don't like her attitude. I'm so glad I have a good dad. I don't think I can live without him, but his grandfather and his dad died at the age of sixty. He's almost fifty-eight and I might just run through the family. I don't want to spend the rest of my life being scolded by my mom and I'm only ten. (That because my dad got divorced with another woman who's my oldest siblings mom, before I was born. )."
--Theresa, 10

I love my stepmom. Shes fantastic. Most people call her my stepmom, but shes my real mommy. She was there when my real mom died. Shes amazing. She calls me Memo. I love her so much.
--Paris, 10

I hate my stepmom. Shes like 28 and so really mature. She spends all of my dads money on the stupidest things. She gambles all of her money and when she is out, she spends all my dads money. I hate her.
--Jordan, 13

My dad is about to marry this woman he's been dating for 8 months. They were supposed to after my younger brother was out of the house, then when I was, now it's in a month. They kept changing it. I hate her. She makes fun of my brother and me all the time. My older sister, who's out of the house, Renee (my stepmom) keeps trying to make my dad disown her. She keeps telling him to get rid of all her softball things. She even told me that Im my dads only daughter. She's said before that she is a better mother than my mom is (my mom's had some problems which led to their divorce). My dad has completely changed since they've been together. They've become very religious and push it on me 24/7 (Im agnostic). My dad told my brother that Im a disappointment because I don't except god and he regrets the way I've turned out. He used to be totally accepting of who I was until he hooked up with her. She's been married twice and engaged another time. I hate the fact that I can't feel comfortable in my own house, and I can't wait until the day I turn 18. It's awful. My dad knows all 3 of us don't approve of them, and he doesn't care. Even my grandparents don't.
--Andrea

My stepmom pretends to be nice but is really mean. She spends all my dads money on Rachel, my stepsister, and my step bro and his girlfriend, who have a child and still arent married. And there's another coming! And I have half sisters with three kids who don't get money. Its not fair!! And my dad doesn't do anything about it!
--Jenn

"Marc: My dad is like that. I suppose the best thing to do is either to try and live with someone else, or deal with it until you are of age (That's the answer I do not like giving, since I myself will have to). Taylor: I don't have a step-family, but I have stood up to my dad, with no avail. He's too stubborn.
--Michael

I have a stepmum, I hate her! She puts herself before everyone all the time. My dad is 47 and she is 34, so you can see she would be immature. Everything is about her, she's constantly complaining and never shuts up! She often calls me stupid and tells me to use my brain, I feel like saying you failed UNI, so your opinion is obviously not worth anything to me. It is ridiculous. I hate her and hope she breaks up with my dad!!! Thank god, I have a good sister!
---Madison

Mikaela: thats so sad. U should tell your mom.
--Lizze

My stepmom is a mind controlling witch freak!!
--Marc

It seems like a lot of people love their step-dads and hate their step moms. Im no exception. Step-dad is great. Step-mom is a rude, insensitive, conniving, hateful, mean, evil, hurtful, lying, stealing, witch!!
--Holly, 13

Family is people who love each other for who they are. They don't blow their stack. TRUST.
--FanofThisHuy

Yes I live in a stepfamily. My mom got remarried, so now I have a new dad. It's different, that's for sure. But I guess the best parts are that we have family time and share stuff like how our day went, and what we plan on doing later. The most difficult part about it, is that I miss my real dad. I miss seeing him everyday, but I make up for it by spending weekends with him...
--Stevi

To all you with abusive step-parents: You have a life. Live it! Your (step) parent shouldn't talk about you behind your back. If your real parents don't listen, stand up to your stepparent. Stand up for what you believe in.
--Taylor, 10

I have a step dad named Jerry. I love him so much I call him daddy. And I have a step nice sister named Kimberly, but we call her Kim, and a step brother named Andrew, but we call him Andy. And I have a step nephew named Estin. My stepdad is 52, my stepsister is 30, and my annoying stepbrother is 25. So I LUV MY FAMILY 4 EVER.
--Alexis, 8

Mina: have a talk with your parents and tell them it is serious and you wont deal with it. Tell them what they do, because if they were adults they would get arrested. If they dont listen, talk to your school councilor or teacher. This is very serious.
--Alexis, 8

Jordan: That's a shame! Maybe you should tell him...
--Michael

Nasthasha: tell him how u feel. Samath: what are u doing there? Call the social services faith. Call the police if any of u need help, call.
--Brynn, 11

My stepmom is a witch. She controls my dad. She treats her own kids like royalty and my brothers and I like scum. She makes us feel bad when our mom buys us something. Then she goes out and buys her kids something thats worth 5 times as much.
--Caroline

My parents have been divorced for a few years. I love my moms bf but my dads getting married to a girl he hardly even knows. I HATE her! She can get my dad to do absolutely anything and shes so immature! I told my dad that I dont like her but I dont think anything has changed. We always have to go there and I dont want to say I dont want to go because then my dad gets all mad but I really, really hate going there! She always tries to lecture me and act like she is in charge. I hate spending time with her but every time I call my dad to do something just the two of us he is always working. He cancels plans with me for her and she always answers his cell phone and never tells him I call. Im so sick of it and I really dont want him to get married. I want to tell him that I dont want to be a part of the wedding but I dont want to make him mad. Im sick of having to deal with her and everything but I really dont know what to do!!! = (.
--Jess

I live in a stepfamily, there is nothing good about it, and my dad loves my stepmom more than his own daughter.
--Jordan

Amanda: I really doubt that is gonna work out! Maybe you could try JUST living with your mom and stepdad?
--Michael

Savannah: That's so sweet! I view it as a great success that a kid can say that about a parent.
--Michael

Two of my siblings- Lana and Christian - are actually my half-siblings. Their dad is my dad but their mom is a stockbroker who lives in Cali. They go to visit her for a whole month in the summer and for Thanksgiving every two years. They say that they like their stepmom - my mom - just as much as their own - and may even like my mom better because their real mom sort of walked out on them when they were four and two - they're twenty and eighteen now. They say it was kind of awkward when their dad married my mom and had my real siblings - Daniela, Caitlin, and Nick - and me, but they love us like real siblings.
--Dorianna, 13

I have lived with my DADDY and my MAMA since I was 2 years old. My Biological mom is Lori to me...Yes I call her mom when we come in contact with her because I don't want to go through the DRAMA...But My Real Mom is Very Special to Me. She may not have given me birth, but Her Love is Never Ending. Thank You Daddy for picking Her. She is someone who will love me no matter what...I am her Energizer Bunny...Yes I keep going and going. I get on people's nerves a lot but she understands me. God Blessed Me with the Best MaMa in the World!!!! Most people give Stepmom as a title but she is My Real Mom!!!!!!!
--Savannah

Liz, sounds like my dad! He tries his best to get my mom to believe that I am a bad kid and that discipline" is the only way to fix my Problems"!!!!! It only half works. My mom sticks up for me, but not often. I have to take it on my own, most of the time.
--Michael

In my stepfamily on my moms side everything stinks except the new dog, on my dads side everything rocks except the older son.
--KD, 10

My parents got separated when I was 4. My mom got with this guy Todd, and my dad got with this girl Lisa. My parents officially got divorced 2 yrs ago. That's when my mom got remarried. I love my mom and step dad. I love being home. He has a son, who is kinda annoying but its okay. On the other hand, my dad's girlfriend is pure EVIL. I don't even know why my dad likes her. Our (my sis and me) first problem with her is that she would act like she was our mom. We'd get mad, my dad would tell her to stop, she'd stop for a month then it would start again. This stopped about a year ago when they got engaged. He did it in front of me and my sister. It wasn't fun. They have a lot of problems already. They went to a marriage counselor before they were even married. My dad doesn't seem to be 'in love'. Well, they got married two days ago and it feels like the world is ending. What I think is going to happen, she is going to stop pretending to be nice (I know she's pretending its REALLY obvious) since She's in". I really hope they get a divorce. My dad knows we don't like her, but Im not sure if he knows we detest her. I don't want to hurt him...
--Amanda, 13

No, I do not live with a stepfamily. But, I used to know this girl (my best friend) her name was Kaolin, and she lived with a stepfamily. I could tell that it was affecting her. But then she had to move with her mom because her mom got divorced from her step dad. So, now I e-mail her every once in awhile, and she says that shes doing good! : ).
--BusyGirl123

Sarah; Hang in there. Yes, you deserve your real father. He may have been pushed out and feels nworthy of you. As for your stepfather, he has some real problems; not you. You need to be firm and let him know that you are valuable and important person. Set limits to please him within yourself. If after you have honestly behaved appropriately, he still is disappointed, no that you have done your best; the disappointment is your stepfather; not yourself. Attempt to reestablish the relationship with your father. If he is good, but feels unworthy and pushed out he will eventually respond to your inquiries and efforts. However, if after some time, in terms, of years, he does not move on from him as well. Use the lessons for when you become a parent sometime in the distant future and for your life now.
--John J

Well my mom got married when I was like 9. Its cool sometimes. But when we go to family reunions I can feel left out sometimes. Im not used to it and its been so long! But it can be good sometimes cause we have a bigger family and more cousins. But recently my mom had my little sister and well my step-dads family was all like finally you have kids. Like they totally forgot about us...
--Chrissy, 13

My dad has another family. I just want to get over it like a crazy dream but I cant. Its in real life thats my problem. I never want to hear about my dad divorcing because of his other family! Probably my dad will get divorced with my mom. But we will win him no matter what but he has to pay for what hes done!.
--Christy, 9

I don't officially have a stepfamily but I might as well because my mom has a boyfriend and his family is my stepfamily. My dad also has a girlfriend so her family is my stepfamily. My mom's boyfriend doesnt have kids so we are his pride and joy: ). My dad's girlfriend however now has 3 kids. 2 are boys and are my stepbrothers. They are annoying. Only my dad can get them to stop bugging my and my sisters. The other kid is my half-sister and she is adorable. She is about 2 weeks old now.
--Sam, 13

I have lived with my step dad for 9 years and I hate him so much. People might not agree with that but you wouldnt believe the kind of person he is. He manipulates me bullies me and even tries to turn my own mum against me and no one ever listens to me. Thats what you call hard.
--Liz

I really hate my stepdad, and he hates me too. He doesn't tell me this too my face and I know he's nice really it's just he acts differently around his real children and not me because Im his step daughter. This really stinks I try to get along with him but we always end up fighting.
--Lisa, 13

"I don't live with a stepparent yet but my mom and dad are seeing someone. I like my moms boyfriend. But I dont like my dads girlfriend. Her name is Nadine. She has been in my fathers life since I was a baby as a friend, but on July 4, 2005 they started dating. Even though my mom is dating, I feel its too soon for Nadine to move in with my dad. I hate how she treats me. 1 second she is nice, and the next second she is evil. For the past few months she has been trying to be my mother and I dont even live with them. I live with my mom. All my friends tell me to tell my dad how I feel. But do not think he will listen. I dont want to hurt him, but he is hurting me. I don't think he loves me anymore. I think he loves HER more than ME.
--Desiree, 12

Kirsten. Hi it's me! Predecease say it's you. Also people who post these things, please post this, so I can say hi and all 2 her.
--Sicbaldi's girl, 10

Kirsten: OUCH! That must be hard! Is it possible to move with your dad. After all, you hate your best friend, so getting away from it all maybe be best...
--Michael

I don't live with a step parent yet but both of my parents are seeing someone. I think I will still be the oldest but I am not sure. I really want to fit in with my family so I hope I don't have fights or many step family members.
--Divorce Stinks, 12

My mom and dad had me (12), Skye (8), and Camden (14). My stepmom had Crystal (12). My step dad had Jacob (9). My mom and step dad had Lilly Anne (3). My dadand stepmom had Hannah and Emily (1).
--Tiana, 12

Mean stepdaughter keeps family hurt and upset.
--Anonymous

Celeste H, I hated my dad unimaginably! I hated him so much that I could FEEL it. And I mean FEEL it!!!!!!!!! Just hang in there, Im praying for all of ya!
--Michael

My mom and dad are gettin' a divorce. My mom is dating my ex bffs dad. My father moved to San Diego and I hate my best friend. Im so alone. What is my life?
--Kirsten, 11

"I live with my mom (Paula, 38) my step-dad (Karl, 39) my sisters (Carl, 13 and Amanda) and my step brothers (Dan, Martie and Billy) At first, when my mom and Karl where first dating it was fine for me because I lived alone with my mom so that there was still a lot of room for him. But then about a year after they had started dating my dad move, so my sisters Carl and Amanda moved in with us, then about 3 months later Karl proposed to my mom and a year later they got married and him and the Terrible Trio" moved in. I now have to share a room with Billy or as I call him Billy The Kid", I cant stand any of my stepbrothers!! Martie pushes and shoves me, and he even pushes me down the stairs and tells my parents that I Tripped", that jerk!! I cant stand him!! Dan is just as bad, he is one the baseball and football teem so he can throw really well and normally he practices his aim on me!! But mostly I hate my stepbrother Billy because since we normally have to travel for his hockey games we have to sit by each other and he SPITS in my hair!! I also think he might have like anger management issues or something because he hits me on a regular bases, even when we played basketball together he got mad and tripped me then he kicked me in the face and broke my nose and I dont even know what I did to get him mad!! But I have broken so many bones because of them that it isn't even funny (bones broken: L arm, R leg, nose, L ankle twice, 4 fingers 3 on my left hand and 1 on my right, and then I have lost a lot of baby teeth! ) I really hate living with them because they always seem to pick on me but I dont know what else to do, I've already talked to my mom and step dad but all they said was to Deal with it" or Tell them to stop", but even if I do listen to their advise and tell my step brothers to stop hurting me they just say Shrimp", Weakling", What ever", or Stink it up you little baby" and that just makes me feel worse!! Someone pleas tell me what I should do!!
--Mina, 9

I live in a stepfamily. My parents got divorced when I was 5 and I live mostly with my mom and stepdad. My daddy and mommy had Alison 22, Marcus 20, Hannah 17, Kyle, 13, me 7. Now my mom and stepdad just had sextuplets named Ryan, Tyler, Alexis, Melissa, Emma & Lily. My dad and stepmom are pregnant with triplets who are going to be named Jordan, Zach & Gabriella. I love my family so much and after the triplets are born in July, there will be 14 of us kids.
--Maddie

I have it different than most stepfamilies. Mine is full of lesbian (gay) woman. Im proud of it! Some people say that it's weird, but it isn't. It's cool, and kids shouldn't judge people that way.
--Rowan, 11

Becky: Your mom is completely BLIND to him!
--Michael

My Step dad, Rick is sooo weird! Well, my mom and my dad got divorced. My dad has a girlfriend Esperanza (she's Spanish). She is wicked nice! My mom remarried to my step-dad Rick. He has 2 boys: Zack (8 and has ADHD) and Andrew (11 and has ADD). Rick sits on his computer all day and can't even put his dishes in the sink so I have to. Im only 12 and I have a LOT of chores and I have to cook diner more than ANYONE in the house! Literally. My mom treats my stepbrothers like royalty. They are only here every other weekend and Tuesdays. They don't have to clean when they r here but they make quite a mess. All of us (me, my younger bro, and older sister) hate them because my mom is nice to them and treat us like dirt. My step-dad is always like Your mom works 2 jobs. Help her and me out. Like rake the leaves and bag them for me and pick up and mow he lawn for me. And do your chores and anything else you can think of to help her out. So I have no time to be a kid and to hang w/ friends. Im only 12 and I have to do all of this stuff!! : ( I need help!! I could live with my dad if he says it is okay, but I like my town and my friends!!!
--Brenna, 12

I hate my stepdad he is so rude. I hate him even though it is wrong to hate he gets on my nerves. He acts all nice when my mom is around but then when she not he treats us like trash. Sometimes I feel like hurting myself...
--Celeste H, 12

OMG, I hate my stepdad 100% with all my heart. I know thats wrong, but I do.
--Celeste H, 12

"My dad introduced me to my stepmom when I was like 5, I was a little scared. And every time my dad picked me up from my house I would cry. But then I started liking my stepmom but then there was the topic of what to call her. My dad wanted me to call her m-dear but my mom wanted me to call her Ms. Idella and that made me feel bad. So now I'm like 10 and I've got kind of a attitude because when I'm at my dads house I don't like to talk with him. Then when I was 6 I met my sister and my niece I never knew about. Then I just realized my dad isn't her dad and that kinda shook me up. My told me two weeks ago I didn't to go up there with him. So I don't and I hang out with my mom. Do you think that's fair to my dad?"
--Tiye, 10

"EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
--Aang, 9

"Chandler: YES!!!! You don't have to put up with this! GO TO YOUR DAD'S HOME!"
--Michael

"He isn't my step dad yet but soon to be. I hate him. He wants my mum all to him self. He has admitted that he dislikes children. I have told my mum over and over again but apparently she's in love. He has attacked my brother and pushed my mum."
--Becky

Navygirl: WHY ME? How many times have I asked myself that? I hate it when family members are mean!!!!!!!!!!!
--Michael

I just had another fight with my mom and step dad, it was like my mom went away for a business thing for 3 days, he made that a living hell. I was told to clean, cook and look after my two younger siblings, they are 3 and 6 both half siblings. Anyways I wouldnt have cared if he was home or awake for the 3 days but he just sat on his butt or on the computer or in bed for the 3 days. By the end of the day I was just bagged from school and the kids and then finally doing my homework and 11:30 at night I missed the next days school day cuz I slept through my alarm. And now hes on my back for missing school. Hes told me numerous times to leave if you dont like it and my dad and my mom are the only ones that will stick up for me now because now my step dad's kids that I see once in a while think Im just a whiner but really I need help should I just go to my dads for good now?
--Chandler

Isabella, 10: my sister's name is Arianna, too!!!
--YogaLover, 11

My mom just told me she is engaged so I guess I will have a step family soon. I hate them. The guy she is marrying is really mean to. So are his kids. His daughter is around17 and she is soooooooo mean. She has never said one nice thing to me. I wish I was dead at this point. WHY ME!
--Navygirl, 13

I do not live in a stepfamily, but there is this show that has a stepfamily.
--Azana, 10

Stella, 12: tell me how much ur sis annoys u and then I can answer ur question: ).
--MileyCyrus, 11

Mikaela: Im so sorry about that!!! Does you mom see how bad he is?
--Michael

I dont always live in a stepfamily, let me rephrase that- my parents are divorced so I live with my mom but about once or sometimes twice a month I visit my dad for the weekend. At first I loved it, my parents divorced when I was 2 and my mom re-married and blahblahblah hes great and I love being at my moms because I feel like its a normal living situation. When I was a little kid I used to sit and wait for him because I was looking so forward to it, most of the time I would be out all night because he would forget. Over the years it all built up and I told my dad I wanted im to get re-married so that his wife could remind him to pick me up and she could be like my mom but more of a friend. When my dad met Tara I thought she was great, she was pretty, and was SOOOO awesome. She took me fun places, hung out and I used to look forward to visiting my dad to see her. When I was sick she took care of me and acted really great, and she even let me sleepover at her house when I was mad at my dad. She was the best thing in my life at one point. Then one day my dad decided he wanted to marry her...Thats when it all went down the tubes. Right after the wedding she started acting like she was my REAL mother and that she could control me. I never disrespect her and I try to be nice fro my dad and brothers sake but she treats me like garbage and is so rude to me. For example this past Easter weekend she accused me of all these things that I had nothing to do with then told my dad I was being a brat to her when I had done nothing wrong. Its sad because in front of my dad and her family she acts like a loving caring person. But when my dads at work and nobody is around she turns mean. Today I found out that she had been going threw my cell phone while I was in the shower. Which really makes me mad because my friends text message me and call me and I didn't even know because she had read my messages and snooped threw my room. The saddest part of all is that when I tell my dad he doesnt believe me because she acts so sweet when hes around. Honestly, for those kids out there who HATE their stepparents don't feel alone because I know EXACTLY what you go threw and how much it stinks...
--Brittany, 13

I have a new stepsister. Her name is Ariana. We are both from the Philippines, but we met here in America. We both speak Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines. Ariana, and I had sooo much fun being stepsisters, and all. But, things started to fall apart! She would spread lies about me around school, and trip me on the playground, and rip up my homework, so I end up having to do it all over again! I can't stand her now! She's acting like a total nutcase!
--Isabella, 10

My dad has been married to this woman for seven years and she gets on my nerves so bad! Now she's pregnant with her second kid and now Im gonna get even less time with my dad! There's nothing good about her and I dont know what to do considering my dad lives in Florida! What do I do?
--Brittany, 12

My stepmother is so mean. If I play with my dad, she grounds me. She thinks she should have it all. I HATE HER! By the way, her name is Judith.
--Amy C, 11

I dont have a stepfamily, but I think that if I did, it would stink. But I do know someone who has a stepfamily. They dont like having a stepfamily at all. : ].
--AnnaMarie, 12

Does your sister annoy you as much as mine?
--Stella, 12

Well lets just say I really really really dislike my 'step-dad'...Rick [step-dad] was all nice to me and my sister when him and my mom first met when I was 5. I thought he was my uncle. He was so cool and treated me really good. Never had an anger problem towards me or anything. Then me my mom and sis had to move to Japan while he was in Hawaii still and I thought that was the last of him. But he visited us 3 times a yr and once on my b-day. Until we moved in with him 3yrs later. Then I found out my mom was pregnant and once she had the baby boy my 'stepdad' only paid attention to him and never helped me out or anything. He was always busy and started to be more mean and aggressive toward me. And he treated my half brother different than everyone else even his family. Then my mom and him had a 2nd child but he wasnt as spoiled as my other brother just cuz he wasnt the 1st kid. My 1st half brother is sooo spoiled. He gets everything he wants. He has so much toys they dont fit in his room and he got a gameboy advanced and tons of ps2 for his b-day, and more toys on the 2nd little brothers b-day. When he cries my step-dad comforts him, but whenever anyone else gets upset he explodes. Now we moved again, and I hateit here, and my step-dad doesnt even talk to me and when we do get into fights he gets all in my face and screams at me and I tell him all the time hes not my real dad so he cant hit me but he says to shut up and says he can do whatever he wants he is the man of the house, a house I dont want to be in because he is so unfair. He never has time for me. When his sons ask him to fix or buy stuff he does it right away and doesnt get irritated with them. He plays outside with them but when I asked him to teach me how to play basketball or surf he never did. It hurts so bad because I all ever wanted was a dad who helps and care about me but Im never going to have one. I love my sister and my mom and he treats them okay, and I love my 2 half brothers. I just hate my stepdad.
--Mikaela

My mother has been with this man for less than a year. Her boyfriend has three kids: two that live with us and one that lives with his mother. My mother just had a baby with this man. My brother and I feel neglected. She spends more time doing things with her boyfriend and his kids. Yesterday was the first time my mother smacked me in my face. I don't want to live there any more but Im afraid for my little brother who has an attitude of "I don't care anymore." What can I do?
--Francis, 11

My stepmum's is sooo mean. She makes me do all the work and she just does nothing. All that changed when I stood up to her.
--Amy C

"Ashton: Your stepdad sounds like how my dad used to be!!!!! I really know how terrible that feels! Sarah: Don't say that! Your stepdad is just horrible and your dad doesn't seem to care, but you have your mother!
--Michael, 13

My stepmother is evil. For example if I hang out with her daughter Sarah, Im punished. I think I'll tell her off.
--Lia

I have a step sister and a step father. It is OK Most of the time.
--Tessa, 9

I live in a stepfamily and it is difficult because my stepfather is really mean and does not know anything about teenage girls! Man that is hard to live with. My mom really loves him but I don't know why she is interested with this man! He is all about himself and mom but never seems to worry about me. He also says that Im not his responsibility but I sorta am.
--Gabby A

Macy, 9: if u have stepbrothers, u have a stepfamily. : ).
--Xo_SuperCute_xo

Yes, I do. The best parts about it is that the people around you will be your friend. The difficult thing about it is that I cant see my real family in 2 years.
--Cotttoncandy, 12

I live with my mom and step-dad and my mom works all the time and I have to be home everyday with my step-dad that changes his mood all the time. He is very mean he has a kid of his own that he does not even like to see. He yells at me and my half brother all the time for us just playing around in the house. I wish that I could live with my dad and step mom they treat me a lot better and they play and listen to me and my concerns. My dad is remarried and I have one stepsister and one half brother and I love to go to dads house and play with them. I only get to see my dad two times a month for the weekends.
--Daniel, 11

Yes I have a stepfamily?? Best parts of it are that I have 2 Christmases. The bad thing is that my stepmoms mean. She thinks she can control me.
--ApAL

My stepmom's wicked.
--Dommy, 13

I cant stand my stepmom she is mean and my dad always takes her side.
--Timothy

Hi everyone, I really hate my stepfather and he hates me too. My mom doesn't believe me that he's always mean to me. It's usually right in front of her, she's always on his side, he ignores me and when my mom finally asks what happened he says he didn't do anything. It really bothers me. And I hate crying when it happens.
--Rebecca, 9

I had a stepdad since I was 12 it was great to have one but then he started to yell at me and my big sister he called me spoiled brat!!! He called me lazy then my mom kicked him out of the house he came back the next day when Im at my real dads house he's really nice and when I hae to go I get really upset my stepdad yelled at me in front of my friends at my BIRTHDAY PARTY!! My friends dont wanna come to my house anymore BECAUSE OF HIM!! I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!!!!!!
--Ashton

My real Dad hasn't talked to me for 5 years and he lives 15 minutes away. I try to talk to him and he never returns my calls. My step Dad just tells me Im a big disappointment to him even though I try to do anything to make him like me. I guess Im not good enough to have a Dad.
--Sarah

I don't have a step family. But my stepbrothers do. 'cuz my dad is there dad.
--Macy, 9

I've had my stepmom since I was 3. I love her and everything but she's pregnant. I have 3 sisters at my moms house already. Plus, I visit her and my dad 3 times a week. Im mad my stepmom didnt even like babies before she came pregnant but now all of a sudden she does and every sentence that comes out of her mouth has to do with the baby! I can take it anymore! She also always lifts up her shirt and tells me how big her stomach is, I can't take it anymore!!!
--Kim, 12

When my Mom and Dad got married they got a new last name but I still have the same one.
--Vanya, 9

I dont have a step family.
--CuteGirl, 11

My mom and. Dad divorced when I was around the age 3. I have a stepmom. And I have no clue if she likes me much. I visit my dad and stepmom every other weekend and Tuesdays evenings. My dad and stepmom want to adopt a baby from South America. But I don't know if I am ready for that. Sometimes my stepmom is mean and she yells often, too. I have a disease called celiac. It doesn't let you have wheat or gluten and it's really disturbing with you. That is all I am telling you today, goodbye!!! : ).
--Rebecca, 9

My stepmom has always yelled with me and I didn't like it at all.
--Becca, 9

"I don't have step-parents but my friend does she has a step-dad. She says it's hard changing parents every weekend and going to softball tournaments. We play softball together...
--Savannah, 10

My dad divorced our mom when I was 9. And now he's married to a black lady with a 12-year-old son from her previous marriage. So now I live with my dad and my older sister aged 13 (we are white), a black stepmom and stepbrother. Now my stepmom is pregnant with a baby boy, so soon we're going to have a mixed half brother!
--Janice, 11

I have been under stress for a long time because I am the only GIRL in the house, my mom died, and I am not allowed to go to my auntie's house any more. Did I say that I am the only girl in my Neighborhood too? Oh! And I also have 4 brothers the are weird all they really do is tease me or watch football.
--Tony

I moved to my step-dad's house in Palm Beach, California. It's a pretty good place but I miss my first dad. He always used to play baseball with me. (My step-dad works all the time) My first dad would listen to my problems. Im not mad at my Mom for marrying him but I think she made the wrong decision. My older and younger bro and my younger and older sis love him though. He takes them out to Gourmet Dinners, to see operas in Sacramento and Oakland, See baseball games in San Francisco, San Diego, and Oakland. I just really wish my mom would hear me out and I wish I had my dad back. : (.
--Van, 13

I live with my step mom and her three children and my four grandparents and two half-sisters!! 1 It's a lot of people to live with!!!!
--Tredain, 9

No I don't have a stepfamily but 2 of my friends do and their names are Erin Remier and Brandon Collins it can be hard for them b/c they can't see their real dad all the time so I do feel kind of bad for them but they do have a good family.
--Shorty

My dad died when I was 5 years old my mom said that she would never marry again and guess what she lied she got remarried last Christmas and I had 3 stepsisters and 2 stepbrothers I mean I love my stepdad but I wish my real dad was here he was the only person I could talk to about anything my mom listens to me but she doesnt quite understand me neither oes my stepdad Im the second oldest because my stepbrother is 19 he's in the army so all of my sisters and brother look up to me and I need some advise myself I really dont remember him but I know that he was better understanding then my mom is if he were still alive I would be living with him because ill know that I would be safe and the only child there so he would just focus on me and no one else. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep cause I miss my dad so much that I just cant control it. Will someone plz tell me how I could open up to my mom a lil more, I need help fast!!
--Lilly, 11

My dad got remarried, and I hate Melissa ( a.k.a. stepmom) ! She always rummages through my stuff and rips through my notes. I also hate her daughter Garry ( actually short for Geraldina) ! WE are in ultimate sibling rivalry mode. Melissa changed all of our traditions and got rid of all my old possessions.
--Khalil

No story makes a stepbrother, otherwise known as your distant cousin...
--Dil

My parents just divorced now my dads gonna get married!
--Kallie, 11

Its good having a stepmom at times because you know your dad is happy...The bad thing is you yourself are not. I don't mind having a stepmom but when they try to be your reel mom and treat you bad when your dad is gone. Thats the bad thing...
--Nikki, 13

I dont live in a stepfamily.
--Squidward

I just got a step family last month and I can't stand my stepmother, she can't help me with my homework or anything...I hate her! Anyway I have 4 stepbrothers and 2 stepsisters I get along with Amy, Cris, Andy and Matt, anyway my stepmother just scolded me about doing my homework again, BYEEEEEE!
--Annie

Natasha: Man, your step-dad is BAAAAD! My dad is somewhat like that. I will pray for you!
--Michael, 13

Hall 12 I know what you mean my mom died when I was 5.
--Paris, 10

Natasha: Your dad is certainly verbally abusive! Threatening to beat up your boyfriend can actually land him in jail. Can your real dad help you? Do you have any aunts? Uncles? Someone who can adopt you? Rafaella: Wow! Your dad's ex-wife sounds BAAAAAD! Can't you live with your mom? You weren't too clear about that.
--Michael, 13

Katrina I hope u move with ur real mom. Faith, 10 u have 2 talk to someone else. Talk to everyone here on IML...
--IAmSoConfusedForNow2, 12

Hi everyone, Im new here! My name isn't really Dakota, but Im using it on here because I love that name and Dakota Fanning is my favorite actress. Anyway, I was shocked after reading some of these stories here about stepfamilies. I can't believe how horribly some of you guys are treated by your stepparents. I know a lot of people have already said this, but please don't let them do that to you. Get help. If talking to your parents doesn't work, then tell a counselor what is going on. Good luck to all of you.
--Dakota, 12

I have a step dad. Sometimes I cant take it!!! I want to go to my real dads house. 3 days away from each other if you drive!! 3 hours by plain. And till Im 12 or 13 I cant do anything about it. 2 half sis 1 half bro. 3 step sis and 1 step bro but there already grown up. Im tired of this.
--Ashleigh, 11

My stepmum has been cheating on my dad and I believed her I she wasnt but I know she has now. They have split up and she is taking me in to town on Saturday but I am going to ask her about all of it when we are on the way back to my dads house. I might end up shouting at her. Do you think I should go? katiie x.
--Katiie, 12

I have lived with my mom and step-dad for 10 years now. He is generally nice to me but he treats his own kids so much better, sometimes he shouts at me for nothing and it is very upsetting. He treats my mom like dirt and is very two-faced. My mom's family dislike him and I have to live with him, I wish they would get a divorce. He is nasty about all of my friends, and especially my boyfriend who he threatened to beat up for no reason. Now I can hardly see him anymore since he will not come to my house and it is all m step-dad's fault. He is also very prejudiced which is horrible, he has corrupted my mother and had a little brat kid with her who is the most spoilt person I have ever met. We always have to see his previous family, they are not related to me yet I am expected to visit them all the time. I just hate my step-dad.
--Natasha

Katrina I feel so sad 4 u. You need 2 move with urn real mom...
--YouAreTheCoolestGirl, 12

My parents divorced 5 years ago and my mum remarried. That means I have 1 step brother and 1 step sister but they are around 20 years old so they dont live with me and lead there own lives. But when I do see them they are really nice. They are more like aunts and uncles that brother and sisters.
--Olivia, 12

My mom died when I was 4 years old and my dad is just now getting remarried my stepmom has three kids Alex (3) , Allison (7) , and Mira (10). She is also having a baby boy (Caleb Andrew) , we all cant wait until hes born. I just wish my mom was still alive.
--Hall, 12

I hate my fathers EX wife. She is so...Involved in my life, she made my parents divorce, and she wants to have my dad with her again. And she uses the excuse that she needs him because of their daughter. My moms' and my life was awful, and it was terrible when my dad was always using excuses, and still is. He thinks I have no idea that they are again together. She absolutely hates me. And when I told my dad my feelings about her, he kept defending her by this Oh, I think you are wrong. -----Is such a good and calm person. You don't even see her much, how can you tell this about her? I know my dad loves me and thats what counts. I just DON'T WANT HER GETTING INVOLVED IN MY LIFE, AND I AM TELLING YOU SHE SERIOUSLY IS A BAD AND COLD PERSON.
--Rafaella, 11

I hope my mom gets remarried again, I wish I have a stepfather! Lol, it sounds weird right? oh, and by the way I am Cypriot so correct me if I am making any mistakes with my spellings, etc.
--Rafaella, 11

My mom and dad divorced a year ago. My dad got married again. My mom did to. On my moms side I have 1 stepbrother. On my dads side I have no one but my stepmom is having a baby and its a girl we are going to name her lindy marie. She is due Dec 21.
--Alex, 11

Whats difficult? It's that I don't know them too good yet. The best part is that I get to do a lot of different things.
--Michael

My stepmom and step sisters hate me! My dad doesnt even care what I think. My stepsisters are Alison-18, Brittany-15, Halli, 3 and my stepbrother is Daniel (16). They all treat me like Im a nobody. Can anyone help me talk this through with my dad and new family. The best part is that I have my friends but my mom got remarried and my stepdad is cool and his two daughters Callie which is 15 and Abby 18 are actually nice to me.
--Alex, 11

Well, my mom died not too long ago. Short after that my dad married this woman named Patricia. She's nice and everything but I dont think she could ever take the place of my mom. I know it must be hard for her though; to have so much pressure of us not being her kids!! I really appreciate everything shes done for us. The only bad thing is when I want to let my parents know about something, if I try and tell my stepmom about a guy, she always tells my dad. When my mom was alive, we were really close and I could tell her anything!! I miss her so much...
--Cam, 13

I don't live in a stepfamily.
--MyFamilyIsTogether10, 12

I don't know if it's considered a Step family but anyways, when I was 8 I was put into foster care. I moved from home to home. At the age of 10 I was adopted. After about 2 years of living with my New parents, they got divorced. My Mom told me that it was all my fault, she doesn't care about me at all, she's told me that millions of times. Here recently she just started dating again. After my little brother and sister leave for our Dads house, she quickly leaves for her boyfriends house. I feel like she has abandoned me, for a guy that she's only known for a month. On Fridays andSaturdays she leaves at 5pm, and doesn't come home until 3am. I have no idea what to do, I suffer from depression, and her actions aren't helping it one bit.
--Samantha

"I was lucky to have a step sister I'm crazy about. She is my best friend ever. But when she moved out to live with her mom instead of my mother, her dad and I...I was crushed. My step dad and I are okay getting along. Usually but I still HATE people calling him my dad. No matter who says, "Oh your dad." I always immediately say, "He's not my dad." Though most people say it doesn't matter it does to me. I have a dad and I love him. Wayne is not my dad he is just my step dad..."
--Sam

"Kerline: You sound like a sweet boy! Your stepmom is totally horrible! I swear, SHAME ON HER!!! You NEED to live with your real mom! With winter coming, you can't just live outside! (It hurts so bad to read your story!)."
--Michael, 13

"My sister's best friend had her child Aslieigh and my sister Martina is my godmother when she came to Noreen's House to visit her. And My Sister Martina is looking after her god children ."
--Gabrielle , 23

"My stepmom had triplets 2 girls Brasean Isabelle and a boy Dezmon they are soooooooooooooooo cute."
--Paris, 10

None.
--Sara, 13

The best ort is that you can actually consider them your family the worst part is if the other parent has children.
--Alyssa, 10

My problem is that my stepmother always accusing me she event tell my dad to make me live outside like homeless and to never take care about me. Every day when I come back to school I said hi and I kiss her she said I don't want you to kiss me" and I feel so horrible when she said that I don't have any body to talk to because I don't live with my mom I feel so desperate because I don't have people to care about me.
--Kerline

Katrina go move with your real mom if I were you I will totally moth and I am not playing move now.
--Brynn, 10

Moniqe see if u can live with your mom but try to ask your dad alone if you think your stepmom would be weird about it maybe u could ask your sis that lives with your mom what life is like.
--Paris, 10

I live with my dad now and since on July, 2 weeks after the divorce. He married another girl. I kind of felt nervous and strange. Now for my life, have to deal with it. Im already used of it. ^^ 3 stepbrothers, one with ADHD. Which is annoying and my 2 twins. ^^.
--Mara, 13

Monqui: Go live with your real mom! If your step-mom abused you once, she'll do it again! Once she crosses the line...Anyways, your dad is really ignorant and I do NOT know why people are like that! You should live with your mom!
--Michael, 13

Well, my mom married a man named Jeffrey and he became my stepdad. I don't think he likes me. I tried to get along with him and to play with him, but he kept resisting. Are all military parents like that? I hope not. My friend Jana had great parents!
--Kitten, 9

"Its okay because now I have a dad, but I feel like I cant connect to him. He is really nice and all , but he's...well lets just say he's interesting." He doesn't really even look like me and my friend always ask That's your dad? It's really awkward...
--Amanda, 12

I live with my dad and he just recently got married I have been living with her for nearly two years now at the start I thought she was really great she bought me stuff was really easy but that was just to get me hooked I soon found out. I get 20 dollars a week and Im only 12 but that's from my rich dad and she owns the pub in TeAnau and she is extremely rich totally adores herself and that's stinks anyway she argues with me everyday I had not been grounded one day in my life until I meet her and I cant stand it I have lot of friends and Im so social and being with her made us move to a new town at the wedding which was last month me and my sister got placed at the back our own dad he just defends her which shes a total cow I dont know why he loves her I just cant break them up I could never hurt my dad like that itsnot fair I feel so non wanted like I dont belong Im an only child at home my sister lives with my mom and I just cant get over that!!! She only abused me once and I dont THINK it will happen again she pretends to be so nice around people but now when she gets me only she's the green freak deep down please help me tell me what I should do?
--Monique, 12

Katrina, your situation is really bad. I have two questions for you. (1) Is your mom a jerk? (2) Is she now married to a jerk? If the answer to both of these is no, I encourage you to go live with her. I hate people who put kids down!
--Phoebe, 11

I have a step dad who had my lil bro and my lil sis with my mom. I dont like my step dad because he is really mean to me and my older brother. I wish he and my mom would divorce because my stepdad thinks I cause all the problems between them. But then again if they do divorce then me and the rest of my family wouldnt have a home or enough money. Normally my stepdad is only really mean to me when my moms not home. And sometimes he acts like a little kid and thinks that somethings funny when it actually hurtful (physical and emotional). I dont know what to do. Please help. P. S. I feel like I can't talk to my mom about these things : (.
--Courtney, 12

Hello my name is Faith and I have a step family my step mum is mean but my step brothers are bullying me but my dad thinks it is me who is doing the bad thing who can I tell?
--Faith, 10

I have a stepmother. I hate her. She makes me feel like filth in my own home. I wish she would rollover and die already so we could be a family again. Love, L.
--Lindsey

My mother died when I was 7 and my dad re-married that same year. If I didn't know that the death messed him up too, I would want him to roll over and die as well.
--Anonymous

Katrina: That's really awful! It sounds like your mother is supportive, though. You could try moving in with her. If your father is an alcoholic, it's probably safer for you to be with your mom anyway. Good luck. Keep us posted!
--JS, 13

Does your stepparent (s) tickle u or both your mom or dad?
--Rebecca, 10

My moms parents were divorced when she was a kid so she was depressed and now shes not (thank goodness).
--Secretly, 9

Katrina talk to your dad!
--London, 10

Katrina: WHY don't you move in with your REAL mom? They cannot stop you legally! It's your life!
--Michael, 13

Tiff: Thanks, My situation is a whole lot different but your advice cheered me up^_^.
--Annemarie

No! Im glad!
--Abbey, 10

PLEASE READ. I have a stepmother. My dad and my mother have been divorced ever since I was five, and my dad left my mom for LINDA probably my worst enemy. I have a little brother who is ten, an older step brother who is 17 and an older step sister who is 21 My step mom makes me feel like Im nothing important and she flaunts about how much her kids mean to her and how much she would do anything for them RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. Im constantly getting put down; it feels as if I spend too much time with all my family I hate my life even more. Linda acts like she is 13 and in middle school. Example) I come home from my moms house and if I dont say Hi to her she will tell my dad and say whats Katrinas problem she didnt even say hi to me. My aunt and my mom say that she is jealous of me so she puts me down all the time to make me feel this way, which she has succeeded. And thats not it, her son is the biggest jerk I have ever met in my life, everyone at our high school loves him which I have no clue why. He is such a two faced jerk. So while everyone thinks he is so brilliant Im the one who deals with the real him. He starts fights with me all the time and he always has rude remarks. The other day) we were both sitting on the computer and his mom walks in from just finishing dying her hair and he has the nerve to say WHY DIDNT YOU HELP MY MOM DYE HER HAIR I was blown away that he would even say that to me especially how he says he is so much like GOD and everything he des is perfect, which by the way he is failing almost all his classes and he actually compares himself to god, but knowing me I sit there in silence. But he doesnt treat just me like this he treats my whole family like this even his mother. This is something that really gets to me though he treats my dad like crud, but my dad definitely doesnt deserve that treatment. His real dad was abusive and was a real jerk just like him. My dad does everything for all us as well as my stepbrother and he just treats him as if he does nothing but tries to ruin his life. I shouldnt even get started on my stepsister luckily she moved out a couple of years ago, she was worse. Also I TRY to talk to my dad and tell him how much of a witch my step mom really is and he just says Yeah I know she treats you bad but stick up for yourself BUT, the reason I dont stick up for myself is because when and if I do my step mom is a witch to me for about a week, she will not take me anywhere I want to go and she will give me constant dirty looks. My dad just doesnt understand all the stress I go through everyday and I would rather live with my mother. AND, my dad is a HUGE alcoholic and he has always been one. Its hard to deal with that on top of this because he always has mood swings when he can be a jerk to me also. Please respond back because I would really like to get a kids point of view. Thanks for reading.
--Katrina

IML is awesome! I think I'd like to see something that tells about each subject, like what to do with emotionally abusive people, school stuff, how to care for pets...ETC.
--Michael, 13

I have lived with many step parents. My mom got remarried, and so did my dad, my mom then got a divorce from my stepdad and got married to a man with 4 more kids. So my mom now had 5 kids. My dad died and my stepmom then got remarried. I dont talk to her anymore but I live with my mom. My stepdad is ok. He doesnt pay much attention to me but that is ok...
--Cloe, 13

I have a stepdad but I don't like him. My mum and him are gonna get divorced though they already signed the paper some time ago (few months) He isn't nice to me and my brother or even my sister who is his own! Once he kicked my brother out of the house in his boxers and a T-Shirt when it was raining because he said Moron. He let him come in again after a few minutes but still- if it was summer if wouldn't have been that bad. My mum was so mad at him!
--Camryn, 11

My parents divorced when I was 8 and my dad got re-married and now I even have a new brother (2 weeks b-day=September 26 2006) and since I live with my mom I dont see them that much (even though my dad lives in the next town). Well now my mom is dating this guy named Thad and he has an annoying son (Corey) who always gets attention and so dose my older sister who is 14 and now my new little brother gets more attention than me (but since he is so young I'll let that one slide). But Corey and Amanda (my sister) only get attention because they are so popular and good athletes (Coreys in baseball in the summer, and football during school, and Amanda is in swimming and volleyball) so Im only known as their sister or soon to be sister.
--Mary, 11

I live with my Dad, stepmom, sister, and my stepmom's daughter and son. My stepbrother is 1 year older than me but he acts much younger. He doesnt care about school and he wastes my father's hard earned money. My stepbrother has done so many terrible things to me, that I simply cannot stand him. I wish that he would move back to his fathers, because all he is doing here is mooching off of my Dad. Ughh, he is so frustrating!! !! !!
--Jade

Alexis, I think you should talk to your dad about your stepmother lying about you. That's so not right for her to be doing that! If you calmly explain the truth to your dad, he should believe you. Good luck.
--Ella, 13

Amanda: No one should treat you that way! You REALLY need to move into your mom's home. That might make it more tolerable Alexis: By all means! Move to your mom's house!
--Michael, 13p> I luv my Bonus Mom She is My Real Mom. She's a wonderful MOTHER who luvs My Sister and MYself UNCONDITIONALLY No Matter What!!! We have lived with her and My Dad since I was 3yrs old & my Sister was 2yrs old. SHe or my Dad has never spoke Bad about my Biological Mom but she talks bad about them constantly this has always made Me feel very sad...We've told her about it now that we are older and she denies all of it and somehow blames it on My Dad & Bonus Mom. What is the Definition of Real Mom Anyway???? Giving Birth to a child is not a MOTHER...In my opinion unconditional luv and nurturing is!!! Thanks BRE.
--Bre

Ever since I can remember I have always hated my stepdad. He is just a bad person. Even his own kids were never good enough, you can imagine what he thinks of me. No one is ever as perfect as he is. I dont know where I get my strength from because I have been putting up with his criticism and put-downs since I was about 2yrs old. But I have never believed the things he says about me and my brother (such as we are useless and stupid) as his words dont matter to me. He has never been my dad and I will never want him to be. If you have similar problems to me my advice is to always respect your self and believe you are worth it. Keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Soon enough you will be older enough to chose your own life and create your own destiny.
--Tiff

Bailey: Tell your folks about your step-sister. No one should be mean to you!
--Michael, 13

Well my stepdad is named rob he's so kewl but hes got 5 kids uhh! There's Kiley (5) Daniel (16) Kimmie (2) Kyle (5months) and Ashley (14) they're ALL SO ANNOYING they embarrass me in school my mom and stepdad think I should have my own space 'cause at this moment I have to share a room with Kiley and Kimmie and boy are they aggravating. Ashley thinks just because she popular she can be the boss at home. KYLE AND DANIEL DONT BOTHER ME MUCH AS THE OTHERS DO SO THAT'S good. Well my mom is a teacher and stepdad is a dentist so they're gone most of the time and they usually leave Ashley in charge. Well I guess Im gonna go so bye!!
--Ali, 11

I live with my dad, my step mom and their daughter. My stepmother is horrible to me. She makes me clean everything, while she does nothing. She treats me with absolutely no respect. For instance, if I am sitting down in a chair she wants to sit in, she'll just kick me out of it, like I have no right to be there. She always makes dinner for everyone else but me. And worst of all, since I moved in with them, she has started to rub off on my dad, causing him to be equally disrespectful, explode in anger at random times, and call me names.
--Amanda

I am having problems with my stepmother. She constantly lies to my dad and makes up things I do not do or say. What is really strange is that sometimes I do feel guilty...Like it's really my fault...I do not like the way she makes me feel in front of my dad...She lies all the time. Who can help kids with this problem? I have a great mom, but we have been going through this for 3 years and I am tired of it. Alexis 10 yrs. Old.
--Alexis, 10

I don't live in a stepfamily, although I do have a step grandmother and a step grandfather (my grandparents got divorced and married different people). Sometimes, I wish they were still together, but mostly I feel blessed to have two more people who love me. My step-grandmother is like a confidant to me.
--Anonymous --

I hate mine too...He is such a jerk...And even worse he is bipolar and he threatens to take my stuff away...He is such a jerk.
--Thomas

Well, my parents are divorced, I live w/my mom and step dad, I have 2 brother one is my half brother, my stepsister is such a pain. My stepmom and dad and half brother live in Georgia.
--Angel301, 13

I know how everyone feels I have a stepsister, shes a pain and is always getting me into some kind of trouble.
--Angel301, 13

I hate HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Abi, 11

I live with a stepfamily the best part about it isI am not a only child the worst part about it is my stepsister is really mean to me.
--Bailey

Well I live with my mom and stepdad and my oldest sis and bro and my stepdad kids he have 6 kids Amy (18) Jason (16) Sarah (12) Matt (9) Michael (6) Lisa (4) and a half sis name Ashley (1 1/2 and my dad got remarried on is 3 now and have 3 kids Beth (8) James (5) and Diane (3) and have twin on the way.
--Daniel

My mom and dad are divorced and both are remarried. I dont like either of my step parents but Im only gonna talk about my Step-dad because I live with him and my mom. Basically He controls EVERYTHING. He has 3 moods. 1. Ok not happy-not mad 2. Pretty angry (usual mood) 3. Extremely angry everything you do makes him mad. Sometimes hes nice but he gets this mood usually in the morning and after he comes home from work. To make matters worse he works optionally during the weekends and so he comes home mad then too. He treats me like Im nothing sometimes. Also hes a Christian (like me) and he will do something morally wrong and then tell ME how I should act when I have done nothing. I think his problem is that he doesnt stop to smell the roses. He never tries to enjoy himself and he is always stressed out...its really annoying.
--Jason

Sarah (12), Im sorry to hear about your brother. I really suggest that you tell someone what he's doing, because him hitting you with a pole is harassment. Good luck.
--Ella, 13

Oh, dear everyone! Im so sorry to hear about all this! Sarah: Im so sorry to hear that! I can't believe how bad it can get! Your stepbrother sounds awful! Have you told anyone about this?
--Michael, 13

Melony (12) I think you need to talk to someone outside the family tell me how it works out good luck!!
--Paris, 9

Ashley, Kung and Emma: Man! Thats AWFUL YOUR HORRID STEPFAMILYS! I hope things improve! Try talking to them, although I know you probably have......
--Michael, 13

I have a mom Kelly, a dad Bill, a step mom Tonya, a step dad Scott, a biological sister Amanda (14) , a half brother Kai (2monthes) , and six step brothers Brandan and Blake (16) Adam and Aaustin (15) Justin (14) and Lenny (13) . I live with my mom sister stepDad and stepBrothers. For 11 years I was the youngest and then my parents got divorced and re-married. First my dad re-married to my step mom Tonya and she is the best, then my mom got re-married to Scott and he was o. K. He isn't mean but living with 10 people and 2 dogs and a cat plus some other pets in a small 3-bedroom house and with only 2 bathrooms is hectic. Our parents always find some excuse to leave the house and when they're stuck at home they keep away from us because its too much for them to handle. But now my new brothers Brandan and Blake think they make the rules" and when we tell our parents they just say Boys will be boys". And since Im the youngest at home Im always tricked into doing all the chores, and the worst part is their is no place for me to go to be alone because there is always someone in every room including mine. Before my sister and I had our own rooms then my new stepdad and stepbrothers moved in and now I share a room with Adam Austin Justin AND Lenny! I guess the only good part of having stepfamilies is that your parents aren't always alone and they always have some one to lean to when things turn ruff. Even if my step broths listen in on my phone calls or get me in trouble or swear I would never want my mom to get another divorce because she was all torn up the first time and on the bright side I get a lot of homework help L. O. L (laugh out loud).
--Mackenzie, 12

My mom died when I was 7 and now my dad just got married to Kelly who had already had 3 kids before 1 girl (12) and 2 boys (14) I never grew up with any brothers or sisters because before me my mom and dad had 2 kids Jason but he died in child birth and Izzy who died because my aunt was taking her to the zoo and accidentally drove off the bridge and they drowned (she was 5 and I was 2). I always wanted to know what it would be like ad know I know and it is awesome (except that they pick on me sometimes).
--Lilly, 9

Well it's me again the one with the evil step mom Paula and the great step dad. Well the one bad thing about my step dad is that he made my half-brother MILES. I HATE HATE HATE him! All he does is annoy me and just me. If Im in sight he will not stop annoying me and following me. And he gets too excited or riled up that makes me want to scream and cry in my room it's so bad. And when he gets like that he even sometimes gets a stick or a toy pole and either laughs when he fakes me out when he doesn't hit me but makes my eyes shut as a reflex. And hits me hard on the legs down or arms down and I have to get a pole myself to protect me. So I always go in my room Im practically imprisoned in my own room. And when he's home Im probably in my room 80% of the time. I wish my parents were together. I even miss it so much I cry myself to sleep. Im truly serious about that.
--Sarah, 12

Well My parents of course are divorced and my step dad is great but with my real dad who lives in Chicago my step mom Paula just stresses my dad and me out! For example (I know this is pretty gross but) I was well, killing bugs and then Paula comes and lectures me on killing bugs. But really is any kid over 5 that hasn't killed a bug on purpose. Thought so. And my dad comes home too from a stressful day at work and she just in her little way makes things worse. So now my dad has to take daily massages just to relax.
--Anonymous

Ok so my mum is about to marry this guy I hate, and he has 2 grown up daughters (18 and 20) who I havent even met, an I have 4 younger biological siblings who all like him. He is ok to me, but him and my mum are always saying mean things about my dad, which I dont like. My dad has a new girlfriend with a daughter called Emily (7) , and they are ok. I cant talk to my mum about this because she is so wrapped up in this guy she sometimes forgets about me. What should I do?
--Emma, 13

I absolutely HATE my stepmother. Ever since my dad has been dating her, he turned into a complete monster and refused to see me and my brother. They even got married and had a big wedding but never invited me or my brother to it. We didn't even KNOW that they got married until months afterwards. My stepmother is a witch, she's rude to my entire family (they all hate her, too) and she's always yelling and screaming at me, looking for excuses to get mad at me. I haven't seen my dad and stepmum in a long time, which is GOOD because I hate them but the only downfall is that I also don't get to see my baby half brother, and I really miss him...
--Kung

Well I hate being in a step family its not fun at all I had to go to a new school new house new city everything!! And it gets worse I already had 1 brother 1 sister but now I got 4 other kids that lives with me my mom is a teacher and my stepdad is a doctor I have 3 younger step sisters and I younger brother plus I got my big sis and big bro so I have it ruff some days its kewl to have so many kids in my house but some days its stressful!!!!
--Ashley, 12

My stepmom is so annoying! She pretends to be nice, and care, but it is so fake. She wanted me and my bro to like her is all, so she could marry my dad. And, she is such a flirt around my dad! Ugh, and my dad loves her so much...When my dad, bro, and I went on a family vacation that was arranged before he met her, he said nonstop I wish Linda was here" or Linda would love this" it is soooo annoying! He's obsessed with that stupid flirty 43 yr old. And she stays in the house even though my dad isnt really married to her yet, actually theyre engaged. And, my stepmom telling him Oh your sooo cute!' and stuff. She really grosses me out, and Im the only one annoyed though, my stupid bro likes her. She really ticks me off...And my dad keeps spending his money on her, she doesnt use hers. She also doesnt do much work around the house and my dad makes sure everyone else works. she is also such a kiss-up, she always says Oh your soo niiiiceee!" ugh, I am so sick of her already. I cant wait to get back to living with my mom. She has nothing to do with me I guess, but it really annoys me that she is Part of the family" now.
--Anonymous

I lost my father about a year ago. And life has changed for me. My mum found a boyfriend and he is really nice. I also have a sibling he's almost 2. Life could not get any better for me. My stepdad knows what is right or wrong for me he supports me in everything me or my mum do. And he makes everyone laugh hard he is one of the greatest people I have ever met in my life and I want him to be there for my mum my brother and me Thank you for listening. I dedicated this message to Kevin...
--A Person

If ONLY I had been able to think for myself and make my own choices when I was only 8 months old, I would've told my dad NOT to marry my current stepmother. She's prudish and unbearable unreasonable. She's the kind of adult that thinks she can either do something without reason or find something small and exaggerate that so it seems like a reason to do something wrong. In this case, I can't go out with my friends because she claims I came home too late. We made an agreement that I'd be home before dark whenever I was out on my bike. I went out yesterday and when I left my friend's house, it was still twilight. I was on my way home and storm clouds started rolling in pretty fast. So by the time I got there, it was twilight, but the clouds had kinda blocked the sun. She gets and attitude with me talking about how I Don't listen to people and can't tell time. First of all, l She should've been a LOT more adult about the whole situation by approaching me with the same respect I give her (yes I DO indeed deserve it regardless of my age). Then I would be a little bit less angry. Then once again, here comes the exaggeration. She said she called my phone 20 times. I told her that her number isn't in my phone book (She REALLY isn't that special and couldn't mean less to me. ) and that it blocks calls that aren't in my phone. I don't expect her to ever have to call me unless it's about something minor. But still, she tried to make it sound like she was worried. But forget her. Ive only got another year until I move out and Im gonna snap so hard before I do. She has so many flaws that I've noticed and Im gonna tell her every single one.
--Greg

I live with my mom and step dad. I kind of like it, but I barely know half of my family. I only get to go see my real dad once every one or two years. I also have a little stepbrother. One of my 16-year-old brothers moved with my real dad because my mom and step dad would not let him have any freedom. ( In his opinion ) Which I think is very stupid...
--Justin, 10

Sarah: Get help NOW! Your stepmonster has no right to abuse you. Go to a trusted adult or report to the police.
--Anonymous

Dont have any.
--Danielle, 12

My stepmom, Dot, has never liked me. You think your life is going to be normal again, but its the people in your life that make it normal. I try to get along with her, but always having someone here telling you you'll never be good enough to accomplish something or succeed, tends to crush your ego. Its not just that though, just the other day she told me I hate you and I wish you would move back, because thats where you belong. If your wondering why said this, I didnt clean my room instead I cleaned my dads studio. I think shes taking it out on me how horrible her life used to be, like I dont DESERVE to have a good life. I mean, shes just SO hard on me. Im afraid that things will never get any better, and everyday I will have to deal with her. I read earlier that us Kids" shouldnt talk like this, but for people who like me, dont have a good stepparent, need the support to get through everyday. My first stepparent abused me physically, and now my second is abusing me emotionally. She doesnt hit me often, only if I do something wrong or screw up. I just want to leave, not go back, but leave. She thinks the perfect life is her and my dad,nothing that involves a kid, especially not his kid. I hear her everyday talking to my dad about how bad of a screw up I am, and I dont have that person I can go to. My dad would never leave dot, so I feel like Im not Good enough" to have a home anywhere. How is a 15 year old, who worries about boys and things of that nature, supposed to deal with this? I have outlets, but they get crushed. I love drawing, and got to go to state competition. My dad told Dot and all she said was So". Recently I was going to enter a Texas beauty pageant, and she doesnt support me at all, all she does is try to come up with excuses as to why I shouldnt be allowed to do it. I always pictured a cute little family, with a dog and the whole nine yards. I dont understand why she can be so nice to everyone else, and be so mean to me. I think she believes, because Im my moms child I MUST be just like my mom. She doesnt realize taking so much out on one person, just combines all of your pain, and creates more. I dont want her to be apart of my life, but then again I never asked for it either. So, go ahead and judge me, but try having a stepparent first. It could just change your life for good, or maybe I should say for bad. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me, Amanda.
--Amanda

Hi. I just wanted to write something. Bye.
--Jessica, 10

Theresa, know what I think? I don't think your being selfish! Your mother is sick! Next time your stupid step puts you down, point it out!
--Michael, 13

I have a stepmom/stepfamily and I hate it. My stepmom is the reason why my parents split up so I have no respect for her. My dad and her just had a baby and I feel as if I get no attention anymore. There are a bunch of pictures of the baby around and not even one of my little sister and I.
--Andrea, 13

No Theresa (13) if my stepdad/mom put me down, I'd want rid of him/her.
--Anon

Ashely: You should call your real-dad and tell him. If you need help let me know ok?
--Caitlin

My heart goes out to all of you who have bad step parents. If they are being abusive, you need to tell someone! If you can trust one of your parents or any other member of the family, then you should talk to them. If not, find another trusted adult or a counselor! And don't be afraid to tell the police! No one deserves to have to live in a home with abusive people. Please guys, get help! I will be thinking of you all. Good luck.
--Ella, 12

I live with my stepmom stepdad stepsisters and stepbrothers. My real dad divorced my real mom. Then my real mom got remarried. Then she had 12 kids in 12 years. Then my mom divorced my stepdad. The next year my stepdad got married. Then my stepmom had 12 kids. Now I have a stepmom stepdad 12 stepsisters and 12 stepbrothers. I really like it a lot.
--Anonymous

My mom and I live together with my little sister. One great thing about being in a stepfamily is that you start out fresh with the other guy/girl. But one bad thing is that my real dad only comes over for Christmas.
--Simone, 10

I have a step dad and I don't like him at all he's mean to me and he always has to criticize everything I do. My mom never sticks up for me and she always tries to sugar-coat him and make him seem like he can do know wrong and he's so perfect and it really upsets me when she says stuff like I dont know what I'd do without him" or Youre really lucky to have someone like him in your life" ( yea Im SO lucky to have someone in my life that puts me down all the time!)...Its really hard. I dont think it would be as hard if my real dad was around but I havent seen him in years. My step dad always has to say bad stuff about my dad to ( yea my dad isnt around but still the stuff he says about my dad isnt true my step dad didnt even know him!) Is it selfish to actually want my mom and step dad to get a divorce? and is it weird that I like it when they fight so then they can become closer to a divorce? please tell me what u think.
--Theresa, 13

Ever since my real mom died my dad married a selfish mom. I alays wanted to talk to my sister , but my step mom always says why do you need to talk to her your not even an adult. My sister and my mom dont believe me anymore. They both hate me I don't why Im here living in earth:(.
--Melony, 12

I wonder where these kids LEARN the perspective they have on steplife? Could they be living with and angry custodial parent?
--Anonymous

Before I was the oldest, but now Im in the middle! I never get what I want. Plus I dont get along with my step-brother.
--Brittany, 12

I just recently gave my dad permission to propose to his girlfriend. I like her a lot, but I don't want a half brother or sister for two reasons: A, They're too old, (in my opinion), and B: It would be too much of an age gap. I hate big age gaps.
--Mary Helen, 12

Ashley, you've GOT to tell the police about this! Where are you living? Do you have any aunts or uncles or any other distant relative that could adopt you? When you tell the police, ask them if they could. Trust me, my best friend was adopted by her aunt. I know it can be done. I can't believe they did that to you. They had to have been drunk to do something to a girl like you.
--Charitygirl, 12

One time my dad got married to my 2nd grade teacher. And he said Ms. Young could be my stepmother! The difficult thing about having a stepmother is that she always is a total mess.
--Chelsea, 8

My Mom was never married to my Dad. So she got married to this guy. He had three kids by previous marriage. 1 girl and 2 boys. They were so annoying. I went from the only child to the oldest. Laundry was hard. The boys would take a few clothes out, and then said All my clothes are out. But, I would find a whole bunch of their clothes. One day, I was so so sick of that. So I gather they clothes in a laundry basket. I walk to the living room. (They were watching television) And dumped a big basket of laundry on the dirty floor. (They walked on the carpet with gross muddy shoes). I said Its not mine. And walked away. People I tell this to said its mean and cruel. But, hey I got my point across.
--Amanda

I live with five step sisters and brothers and it isn't easy because they are very disrespectful to my real mother and sometimes me. But there is a good part to this: I will move out pretty soon!
--Httu, 12

Till Death Do You Part"? Yeah, right!
--Michael, 13

I have 3 stepbrothers, and 3 stepmoms. Each mom has 1 child. I have a blood related brother. But how could my dad have 3 other children and he didn't even marry their mothers?
--Isache, 12

Sarah: OBVIOUSLY tell your dad!
--Michael, 13

Amy r u 31 (or wuz that a typo)!!!!!!?
--Shishi, 10

Sarah: Wow, your step-mom sounds awful! Im a bit concerned. Perhaps you could talk to your dad (without your step-mum) about what a jerk she is! Carren: Your sister sounds like she has depression! Show one of those nefarious pictures of your new mom to your father right away!
--Michael, 13

My step brother has bullying problems and I cant do anything for him because Im in the jr. high school and he is in elementary. I feel so sorry for him, and I feel so helpless
--Koda

Hi its me, I just wanted to say that I feel bad for some of you guys (girls). I dont know what it is like being in between your stepmom, (dad) and your biological parent. See my mom died when I was 4 so Sheila (stepmonster) moved in 2 months later (OMG!!!!!) and turned my life upside down. 1) She brought her 5 kids (so their was 12 of us). 2) She would say bad stuff about my mom and my brother (we were the youngest). 3) She would yell and scream at me whenever my dad and I played together. I hate her but my dad loves her:{ so shes still here after 8 years. Heeeeeeelp !!!!!!!!!!! .
--Sarah, 12

My cousins' parents got a divorce! They are pulling a Henry the 8th. Well I think that divorce is silly. 'Til death do you part' is a serious thing!!!
--EvilGir, 9

This really isn't about stepfamilies but I don't know where else to put it. My Dad is over in Kuwait serving ur country right now. He has been gone for over a year and will be back at the end of August 2006. I miss him a lot and my older sister and I try to help my mom around the house with our dog. It is really hard for my mom being a single parent.
--Sarah, 11

Help my stepmonster hits me really hard on the head, so hard that I have a huge lump the next day. She does it when my dad isn't home so he doesnt know. Help me :(.
--Sarah, 12

Paige: My gosh! That's complete chaos! LOL! I can't imagine 20 siblings! Goodness gracious!
--Michael, 13

Personally, it's not bad for me, but my little sister really hates our new stepmum. I happened to wander into her room the other day, and there were loads of pictures of our stepmum hanging or being beheaded all over the walls. What's wrong with her, and how can I help? Somebody reply soon!!
--Carren, 11

Im having troubles with my stepsister.
--Chelsea, 13

Anyone else with mean step-parents, talk to the parent or the step-parent. If that doesnt work, move. I hope I've been a big help to everyone here!
--Michael, 13

I have a step mother but I really don't like her. She's kinda cold but she's not outright mean. I don't like my half sister. She's really annoying and whiny and everyone babies her. It stinks when I go visit.
--Izzy, 12

Hello. I have a stepmom, four stepsisters and one stepbrother. My real mom died when I was four, and two months later Shelia moved in (Shelia is my stepmom). My opinion is that the worst parts of my stepfamily are the arguments about the his-and-hers kids and the weirdness of my dad loving someone I hate. There are always the mean looks from my stepsiblings and then the mean words that my stepmom calls your real mom. But the worst part is being thrown in to a family thats not yours. My stepmom always yells at me if my dad and I are doing something together without her, and then makes up lies about me. I dont get it. I try to please her. I bring home good grades; theyre not good as she got...over and over. Then she takes my stuff (like my money and my BOOKS) :-( and gives them to her daughter. I miss my real mom dearly and wish my dad would understand my pain.
--Sarah, 12

My stepmom is always mad about everything. I was just playing with my dad and she lectured me. Help me!
--Jessica, 13

I like my stepfather, my stepmother and my stepbrother.
--Amy, 31

I have 3 sisters and 5 brothers that are blood related. Then my parents (Joe and Karen) got divorced and my mom married a guy (Bill) with 4 boys. And then my mom with him had a baby girl. Then my dad married a girl with 2 girls and 3 boys, and with his new wife (Shelia) he had a baby boy. Shelia died giving birth to the baby so my dad was stuck with all of those kids and us. Then Bill- who my mom married was in a car accident and died 2 years after Shelia did. My parents had too much to handle so they decided to get back together and work as a team to get through this. I now have 6 sisters, and 13 brothers- 20 kids total!! It is complete chaos. There are two sets of twins and then triplets. Luckily there are 3 moving out of the house- 2 going to college and 1 getting married. I love a big family (Im just glad nobody has the same name- lol)!
--Paige, 13

Ashley: where are you living then?
--Michael, 13

Ashley, you poor thing! I think you should move to your fathers! No one should EVER kick you out of the house! I feel for you. Good luck!
--Michael, 13

Ashley: WELL WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Whose computer are you using? Can you stay with them? Go to the police, or your dad! Best of luck. Everybody with really awful stepparents: 1) go to your real parents, tell them how you feel, or: 2) go to your non-custodial parent, and try to get them to take custody of you, or: 3) go to police, or teacher, or: 4) if the situation isn't hurting you, wait it out. Graduate high school, go to college, never visit, and remember that NO ONE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL INFERIOR WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT. Because when they put you down, it's because they're araid that your real parent loves you more.
--JS

SadGirl: YOU POOR THING!!!!! Im SOOOO sorry that has to happen! I urge you to talk to your mother OR move to your REAL dad's home. He can provide you love and care! I have thrown you a lifeline, take it.
--Becker, 12

Its really cool to have a stepfamily. If there are some people out there who are getting a stepfamily, think: 2 bedrooms, 2 vacations, and best of all, 2 families who love you very much.
--Cheyenne, 11

My mom died in 2004 and I got the MOST ANNOYING STEPMOM IN THE WORLD!!!!!! I do not see what my dad sees in her.
--Jackson, 12

My mum and dad divorced when I was two. My mum got remarried when I was 11 n I have always hated my step dad. He gives me the creeps and is always totally evil to me, but so obviously favours my stepsister all the time, who is like 18 now! She doesnt even come visit us. I go out with my friends a lot and if I come home late at night my stepdad goes mad at me, even though its his fault I stay out so late. I really, really hate him and he's always making snide remarks and trying 2 put me down. I work hard in school and I reward myself by going out with my friends. He makes me really mad just thinking about him! Its not long until I can move out though. My older brother who is 25 said I can come live with him once I've finished my exams in 3 months, but he drives me mad! And he always gets involved in arguments between me and my mum. And then anytime he has a go at me my mum sticks up for him. I dont want to lose contact with my mum when I leave, but I really, really, REALLY HATE MY STEPDAD!! I wish he and my mum had never married. Somebody please reply? Love Steph, xxx.
--Steph

Ok, my stepdad is nice, but there's just 1 prob. He is not like my real dad and is unkind and unplayful. He scars me emotionally and physically, and I wish he was like my real dad, who is playful and kind and he does not make me sad or hurt me.
--SadGirl, 9

My parents divorced when I was 5 years old and it was hard for me. Then when I was 8 my Mom remarried. My stepfather is a really nice guy and I find it good to have a father figure that I see regularly. The best parts are that my stepfather had no kids before. He is only 36 and my Mom is 42 so his interests are closer to mine. It can be difficult because sometimes if you get angry at each other you always think Youre not my real parent, or something like that. Sometimes it is hard to figure out what to call them.
--Danielle, 12

My step-dad kicked me out of the house with nowhere to go just because I called his daughter a liar. My mom let him do it and she wont help me. They took me away from my dad so they could get child support and now I have nowhere to live. Im scared and I miss my mom. What do I do?
--Ashley

"Girlwithglasses, I hope u call the police. Any man who hurts his pregnant girlfriend or wife NEEDS to be reported to the police."
--Shoshana, 10

"Jerica: OUCH!!!!!! I think you should tell your stepmom and your dad! That's horrible! I hope you'll be okay!"
--Michael, 13

"DatGril: OUCH!! I don't know how you feel because my parents aren't divorced, but my mom is always saying to me whenever I want something, 'Why don't you go ask your dad to get you it?' and my dad is in Saudi Arabia. But whenever your mom and step-dad tell you that, tell them what you told us, and if that doesn't affect them, than talk to your mom privately, and tell her that she has changed. And tell her what she has been treating you like, and tell her what she has been saying to you lately. And don't forget to mention your stepdad and how he has changed her. You may be scared to talk to her at first, but remember, she is YOUR MOTHER!! You came from her, so I bet she still has SOME love for you under all that mistreating."
--Mohammad, 11

"To all the people who have abusive step-parents, remember, it is your life too. And if your real parents let them get away with it, remember, it is probably cuz they are blinded by love. IT'S UP TO YOU TO POINTTHAT OUT TO YOUR PARENTS!! If you do, you saved you, and your mom/dad, and your siblings."
--Mohammad, 11

"DatGril: whatever you do, DO NOT MOVE IN WITH YOUR DAD!! True, he loves you more, but then you would have done exactly what your step-dad wants!! And trust me, if that happens, then he will be more in-control of your mom than ever!! Just persevere, and talk to your mom all about it in private, and tell her exactly what you wanted to say when they say to move with your dad. Remember, she is your mom. She MUST still have SOME love for you."
--Mohammad, 11

"Yes I have a step brother and a step mom. The difficult part about it is they do things differently and they don't respect you. The best thing about it is you can learn and go to new things because they went and you didn't."
--Zana, 12

"I don't live with a stepfamily. Briana's sister Lauren lives with her stepmom because her dad married again."
--Nicole, 12

"I hate my sister. She does not respect me and my parents don't do anything about it. I really need help."
--Grace

"Caught: move to your mom's home! You have the right! Ashley: Is your dad willing to take you in? If so, PLEASE go to him! I urge-BEG you to!"
--Michael, 13

"My stepfamily is very nice to me, my brother and my dad. I went to foster home there. And also I had Christmas dinner at their house. YUMMMMY!"
--Jeremy, 11

"This is my third step-family. All I ever wanted was a mom who loves me and wants to have a good relationship with me. My step-mom right now, Kim, says that she loves me like I'm her own daughter, but she is lying. If she loved me like her own daughter then she would treat me the same way she treats her real daughter. Her own daughter lies to her, steals from her, and disrespects her. And she gets more love and respect from Kim than I do. It hurts me bad and makes me want to just give up on everyone who says that they care about me but don't ever show it. I just wish I could get out of this family, and I don't care how I do it."
--Jerica

"DatGirl, that's awful! Move to your REAL dad's house, please! He loves you, unlike those jerks! You should move! Tell me you will!"
--Michael, 13

"Sometimes you just wish your mom and dad would get back together!!!!!!!!!"
--Morgan, 10

"Girlwithglasses: Yay! I am SOO happy to hear that! Anna: You tell your parents that you want to live with your mom! You don't deserve to live with those creeps!"
--Michael, 13

"OMG! My Mom is sooo mean about everything. Sometimes I have to really think about it b/c I have to remind myself that she is just doing that b/c she luvs me. Its soo hard to understand the things she does...she claims it's b/c I am a teen. It's like she is now extra strict b/c I am older. I know that I do things that are wrong and I should be punished. BUT....HOWEVER...The stunt that she pulled a few days ago was not necessary. My PHONE IS WHAT KEEPS ME ALIVE AND SHE SLAMMED IT ON THE GROUND. MY PHONE BROKE IN HALF. SHE SAYS I WILL NEVER EVER HAVE A PHONE AGAIN. I WILL JUST HAVE TO GET ONE WITH MY OWN. Have just gotten out of a relationship and starting another one. I can tell she doesn't like every boy who ends ^ liking me, but she does not have to be mean to every boy I like, and this one is a real cutie."
--Ashley, 13

"My dad got remarried when I was 3. My stepmom and I don't really get along. My stepmom controls my dad and tries to control me. I HATE IT!!! They say I am too old to cry but she is 31 and she cries all the time. I want to live with my mom. They (stepmom and dad) don't know who I really am."
--Caught, 12

"Guess what guys? My mom's engaged!!!!! Jim is going to be my stepdad!! So happy!! See, here's the story. My mom and Jim dated for a year when she found out she was pregnant. They decided to get married when their children (twins!) turned two, but then (Jim went to military school meaning he has to spend 3 yrs in navy) got sent overseas for two yrs:( When he got back, they started dating but marriage never came up. Then last nigh (before the two of them went to the movies) he pulled me aside and said 'Would u mind if I asked your mom to marry me?' I just yelled 'FINALLY!' LOL! When they came back my mom said she had said yes. SO HAPPY!!"
--Violet, 13

"Well I don't get along with my stepsister Jenni because she is enemies with my best friend's older sister. They hate each other and got in a terrible fistfight once. She just seems like a mean person."
--Stephanie, 10 "I love my stepfamily very much. They are difficult to deal with sometimes, but they are family and thats how we need to treat them. It was different when they moved in, my stepdad and my stepsisters. There is definitely always someone to play with, though. My stepfamily is always there for me. I can tell my stepdad anything. Always be open with them. They will be open back."
--Kalley, 13

"DatGirl, Move to your dad's, PLEASE! You deserve to live with someone who loves you!!!! Please say you will! At least he loves you and will make you a more comfortable life!"
--Michael, 13

"My mom has seen the light. She's going to leave the guy. She's got my gran to take me and my bro up to her house, and once she's split with him, she'll come up and join us. Then we'll live there until we get another house (the guy owns our house)."
--GirlWithGlasses

"I hate hate, hate my stepmom. She is so mean and is always yelling at me and punishing me. She controls my dad and he always listens to her. It seems like Im always grounded for something. She and my dad adopted a kid and they treat her so well! I cry all the time b/c I want to go live with my mom and stepdad who are good to me, but my dad is rich and always wins the custody battles"
--Anna, 13

"Kiera(13), I think I saw your mom and stepdad in a dream. Your mom fell over on some ice, and your stepdad reached down to help her up, then the dream stopped. Then next night, I saw a man crashing a black truck into a bridge. Please don't think Im nutty!"
--WorriedDreamer

"I hate my stepmom. She started my dad's wedding without me. I was supposed to be the flower girl. Wow, I can't stand her. Things were so much better when it was just my dad and me. Oh, and the worst part, she treats me like her slave. I hate her."
--Anonymous, 12

"I live in a foster family. I've been in foster care for at least 5 1/2 years. I have been in 6 different foster families. In my real family I have 5 brothers and 1 sister. My court day is May 3rd, 2006. I would like to give a big thanks to people in my school for supporting me. My very successful principal Mrs. Wojeck is a very uplifting person. My very beautiful, funny, fun teacher Mrs. Connell is sooooo caring. So now you know my 10-year-old life. Closing in happy days, Jacqueline."
--Jacqueline, 10

"My step-dad is always putting me down. Once he called me a runt & said I would never amount 2 anything. Then he had the nerve to tell my mom to stop comforting me 'cause she was the same way. Well if I do you can bet he isn't going to be apart of it, because Im just going to stick it out until college. I mean my brother hated him so much he joined the army. I swear 1day Im just gonna explode. Im sorry, but what did I ever do to him? NOTHING. And before my mom met him she was nice. 2yrs later she is just like him. & my dad is already in debt so I don't want to go live with him. And since my parents know this, every time I get mad, they say, Why don't you just go live with your dad, huh, huh, why don't you (my name) and I just want to shout, Well at least he loves me unlike you all. Sometimes I just have to cry myself to sleep & my friends always ask why I look so tired but I just can't tell them. They'd think I was lying since my parents always pretend to be nice when I have company over. So ALL my friends think they are SOOOO cool. But they are far, far, far, far from it."
--DatGirl

"Yes, I have stepfamilies on both sides. There is not one good part about it. All I can say is that both of them are mooching off my parents because they cant take careof themselves, and they both dont want me around because I am not their child."
--Crystal

"Christina: Ouch! Is your father: alive? Nice? Nicer, anyway? Willing to take care of you? If he is, move in with him. Im in a stepfamily. I know you don't want to hurt your mom, but obviously, she doesn't care if her husband hurts you. If you can't move in with your dad, talk to a favorite teacher, or guidance counselor, or police officer."
--JS

"To all, don't let step-parents talk bad about you! You're too good for it! Either talk it out or move somewhere else!"
--Michael, 13

"I hate my stepdad so much. He took my phone when I went to sleep just cause I was on the phone at midnight. But Im on spring break. I don't know what his problem is. He's just jealous that I have more friends than him. Nobody likes him because he's so mean. I wish my mom never married him. My life was SO much better when my mom was single. I lived for seven years with just my mom and I did just fine. My stupid dad wasn't there and I haven't talked to him in 5 months and Im doing just fine. I hope my mom realizes that I don't like him and divorces him. Please God let her divorce him."
--Anonymous

"Yh they shouldnt treat u like that. Tell her how you feel 2. It might help."
--Becka, 13

"I have a stepfamily. My stepfather treats me like his own. In the beginning the hardest thing for me was actually having to share my mother with another person. I was an only so we very close. I also didn't appreciate calling him dad, but now we are like a REAL family. I love my stepdad as a father figure and emotional support."
--Jaden, 12

"GirlWithGlasses: you and your mother NEED, NEED, NEED to get out and get away. Any man who would get drunk and try to injure a woman and her unborn baby does not deserve your mother's love. Please, try to get your mother out of there."
--Anonymous

"I hate my stepdad. He spanks me with a paddle."
--Anonymous, 10

"It is hard to control my 9 year old brother. He says Shut the heck up, and with his and my cousin he says Let's run away from the booger monster, and then they run and MAKE ME CHASE THEM!"
--Lauren, 8

"Michael (12): Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate any holidays because of religious beliefs. So no offense to you, but I wouldn't call anyone's beliefs 'dumb.'"
--SweetiePie, 13

"To all that say that their stepfamilies are 'evil': You know the story of Cinderella! Maybe you'll get to move to someone else's house (Like an aunt and uncle, or a grandparent's house)."
--HarryPotter, 12

"I hate my stepdad. I hate him so much. I know that he's verbally abusive, I've looked it up, it fits him. Every part of him. He believes hes greater than we are, and he gets angry if he doesn't get the largest piece of the pie for dinner. He gets mad at little things, or just randomly he's in a bad mood, and would pick on me, saying how worthless I was, how Im always just in the way, or saying how my four year old sister (HIS daughter) just cries, and how he should never have gotten into this family. Just this morning he yelled at my mom for not picking up eggs correctly, and she sounded so unbelievably docile, and went all I'll do it again. He was like This is how you pick up an egg?! Then what?! You're a mess, all of you. Get out of my way. I've had what? 7 years of this stuff. Im sick of it. And I already know, talk to him, whatever. I've talked to him, talked to my mom. They say its my fault, that I have too much free time. Pathetic."
--Christina

"Anonymous(12), you're right. Your stepmom is a jerk. I don't like reading about how she put you down about the swimsuit. Adults should NEVER insult kids like that, for example telling kids they're fat, like with you. I understand though. Im in a stepfamily too, and my stepmom insults my intelligence frequently."
--AlsoAnon, 13

"Anonymous, you should move to your mother's house, because your stepmom is horrid!"
--Michael , 13

"Omg my name is Kayla and Im 13 years old and I hate my stepfamily. I hae a stepbrother thats 6 and a stepsister thats 10 and well, u know, that evil stepmother CINDY !! I swear, I hate it. And my dad...he lets her be mean and I have to take it cus if I go off she lies to him and I get in trouble and have to say sorry!! I hate her so much and her kids are tattle talers and theyre whiney kids. There is no good thing about it!!!"
--Kayla, 13

"I HATE my stepmom with a passion. She is a complete jerk. She also said that my mother was a Nut, which she isn't. My stepmom forbids my mom and friends from calling the home phone and makes them call my cell phone (which my mother pays for, by the way) because she doesn't want to hear the phone ring. My ignorant dad, meanwhile, lets her do anything because she weighs 105 pounds and is pretty. I think that the truth is, it's HER house, and she knows it and wants to make me as little a part of it as possible. But I LIVE there half the time! While shopping for swimsuits when I was 10, she also told me my stomach was too fat to wear any 2-piece suit, but managed to point out that they look great on her. I was actually a normal-sized child. What do you think I should do?"
--Anonymous, 12

"Anonymous, perhaps you should move to your father's house!"
--Michael, 13

"I dont live in a stepfamily but I would think that livin in one would fun 'cuz... I dont know y."
--Brigitte, 11

"Sarah(13) Oooh...awkward! Falling for your stepbrother...kind of like a twisted version of the Brady Bunch. Well, it's probably just a crush, just wait it out...good luck"
--JS, 13

"No. My stepfamily is the best thing that ever happened to me. My 'rents argued a lot, and I've always wanted a sister, and now I have one, even if she's a step-sister."
--Anonymous

"My mum met this guy 4 years ago and they are married now. We have had a lot of problems in our life and my stepdad does not like us kids. My sister has a child of her own and her own place and is 16. My youngest is 7 and is great. My stepdad ignores us and is mean to my mum but my mum lets him and it makes me sad. I wish he would just go away but she loves him so much. I don't understand."
--Anonymous

"I dont have stepbrothers or sisters, but I have a stepfather and he tries to act like hes my real father, saying that hes going to hit me. And Im like, whatever."
--Yazmine, 11

"Christie, talk to your real parents. Tell them how you feel. If they won't listen, keep at it until they do. Parents should listen to their kids and respect what they say. Make sure your parents do this, and the same to anyone else with (step)parents problems. Write to this site, and I, Michael and other advice givers will do our best to help."
--Anonymous

"GirlWithGlasses: Wow. I think it's best you talk to you mother about how you feel before your mother's boyfriend hurts you or your brother! Anonymous: Rock on!"
--Michael, 12

"I love my step-dad!!!!!!"
--Jenna

"I have half sisters and brothers, and one of them, Sarah, is always saying how my dad left her mom for my mom. It's really annoying."
--Katelin, 13

"I hate my step-mom soooooo much. She is from Onion City (Union City). I also hate my mom's fiancee's son Kody. He's soooo annoyin'. Ya no!!!!"
--MAS, 11

"My mom has moved in with this awful man. He gets drunk regularlyWhen mom got pregnant with my baby brother, he punched her in the stomach hard. My brother has been born alive and well despite this. My dad doesn't want me, but my granny has asked if I want to live with her. I want to go, but mom still loves the guy and wants to stay, keeping my brother. I really don't want to leave my mom and brother with that guy, but at the same time I want to get away. Help."
--GirlWithGlasses

"Right, Alice (11): you tell that mother of yours how you feel, in no uncertain terms. Be rude if you must. She needs to understand."
--Person

"Donovan, first of all, tell your dad (and her) about that dumb no-holidays things. That is pointless. Tell them EXACTLY what you posted here!"
--Michael, 12

"Christie, talk to your real parents. Tell them how you feel. If they won't listen, keep at it until they do. Parents should listen to their kids and respect what they say. Make sure your parents do this, and the same to anyone else with (step)parents problems. Write to this site, and I, Michael and other advice givers will do our best to help."
--Anonymous

"To ALL: I feel SOOO terrible reading these! Most are so sad! I recommend that if you have a horrible, complete JERK as a stepparent, move to your other parents house!"
--Michael, 12

"To all: if you do not like living with a bad step parent, move to your other parent's house. You don't deserve bad treatment. Or talk to the step-parent or the real parent about your problem."
--Michael, 12

"I dont have any stepmums or dads, coz I never met my dad and my mum died, so my 2 oldest sisters took me and my 7 sisters and 1 brother in."
--Megan, 11

"Its me again. So now its March 1st. My Mom's death-day is in 23 days. Im really scared. Its been one year, and Im still recovering. My Dad is still with his girlfriend and I can tell day by day, that they are falling more and more in love. I know about the possibility of marriage, and Im really scared. She is a Jehovah's Witness and so are her kids. That means no X-mas, Halloween, B-days...nothing. Also, her daughter is really mean and has OCD. Some days shes nice, others shes not. The son is cool and grown so I dont have to worry about him. And again, its about the girlfriend. I keep comparing her to my mom, and she pales miserably. She is everything my mom wasnt and her rules are completely opposite to the ones to Ive grown with. Also the no holidays thing is really weird. I feel like my dad is gonna marry this woman and I dont think we will ever get along. Part of me wants to love her, and make her my new mom, because I miss my mom a lot and need a female perspective to things again. But then the other part hates her to death. Yet again, what should I do?"
--Donovan, 13

"My step dad is so mean, and my mom never sticks up for me when he bosses me around!!"
--Rachel, 12

"I hate my stepmom. She is so mean to me and my brothers and my dad lets her get away with it. I don't really think of her as my stepmom, though. she's only 12 years older than me! It's not like I can look up to or respect someone that young. Yeah, you should try to make an effort with them, but some of them are just plain mean. Talk to your parents about it and see if they can work something out. I just hope for you that you don't have to live with them. I don't, thankfully."
--Megan

"Talk to your mom, and if she punishes you, ignore that. Just keep talking."
--Nicole, 11

"My life is not good because my brothers and sister are leaning."
--Tamara, 09

"Elie, I didn't mean to offend you. As a good Christian, I just want to give advice and support to people, namely those who have stepfamily issues. I don't want to create a stereotype, just help. Kiera, I feel sad for you! Here's my advice: Tell your mother and your stepdad-to-be how you feel. Perhaps they can try to understand your side."
--Michael, 12

"Kayla: your mother cannot stop you from living with your father."
--Michael, 12

"Kiera, you and your mother are suffering severe abuse from that psycho. I would suggest telling your mother to Wake up and that Lee WON'T change. If that doesnt work, then move to your father's home!"
--Michael, 12

"Yes I do live in a step family. Some of the best parts are having a lot of family to get you out of trouble when you are in really deep. Another one is you get to have really big cars since you have a large family. So when you go to school, everyone is jealous of your expensive big car. Some of the difficult things are having all these family members in your house for a family reunion, and you dont even know half of their names. Another thing is not having everything you want because you have the rest of your family to worry about. So its really hard not having everythig you want. But at least I enjoy having all of my family close to me!"
--Nickie, 11

"I love my stepdad but can't stand my stepmother."
--KristynG

"Conner, try talking to someone you trust (maybe even your mom or dad). My parents get along fine, so advice might not help. I hope it does."
--Emily, 9

"To all: treat a step-parent as a new friend! They won't act mean if you befriend them, and if they act evil, move to your other parent's house or talk to the step-parent."
--Michael, 12

"I love my stepmom. I moved in with my dad and stepmom this year because my mom kept moving and lives with a guy who beats her up sometimes. I don't consider him my stepdad. He's just my mom's husband. My stepmom is more of a mom to me than my real mom. My real mom is more like a teenager herself. I love them both, but life with my stepmom and my dad is my home."
--Cassie

"My mom and dad are divorced since I was 8. So I am okay with all of my dad's girlfriends. Now, Im 14 and my dad has a GF who is really young. She's really nice to me. We hang out together, and we do all the stuff that BFFs would do. I now see her as my best friend and she wants her to marry my dad. But last night, she called me and said that see feels theres something wrong with their relationship. So she thinks that her relationship with my dad will be over. I cant get over it. I love my dad's GF as my best friend and even my own mother. Im afraid that we wouldnt be able to do the things we used to do. I guess the stories about stepparents arent always true huh? I need help! Im really sad about all this. Help."
--Marlissa

"I have had a stepmom since I was 10. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. My mom died and my stepmom is doing her best. Michael, if you were my step kid, I probably wouldn't like you very much."
--Elie

"My parents have never divorced but my best friend has a stepmom. I felt really sorry for her for quite a while!!"
--Michael, 12

"Ok, first my soon-to-be stepdad thingy, Lee is his name, drinks beer and tried to hurt my mom, and my mom was pregnant at the time. So my mom says he'll change. I doubt it. And she's going to marry him and I hate him. The night my mom had her baby he took our Suburban truck and smashed it, and he was drunk completely. And my mom slapped him on the face 3 times and then he tried to trip my mom on the ice, and I was standing right there. What should I do? I don't want my mom to marry this guy. I hate him."
--Kiera, 13

"Anonymous, think of a step-parent as a new friend! You can bond! Hang out! Introduce them to friends, go to a movie, play ball! They may not be biological parents, but that doesnt mean you can't treat them as such!"
--Michael, 12

"For most of my life I have lived with a stepmom. When I was younger she tried to take the place of my real mom, but I was oblivious that it was even happening. Now she has two kids with my dad. I am treated very differently from them, which is understandable, but it gets to the point where I can't take it. I am grounded, put down, and mistreated 95% of the time. It stinks even more because I don't know what I am doing wrong and it gets really frustrating. I only have a little more than a year to go before college, but I feel like I might lose it and move out..."
--Me

"Plz help me. I dont know what to do. I have this stepdad and I really hate him. What should I do to get rid of him? Plz help me."
--Hollie, 13

"My mum has just moved in with her boyfriend and I dont know what to do."
--Anonymous

"My friend lives in one. It obviously stinks!"
--Anonymous

"Ann, I think you ought to move to your REAL mom's house to avoid your awful stepmom."
--Michael, 12

"My friend Reilly lives in a stepfamily. Her stepmother is evil to her and her stepsister is worse than the one in Cinderella. She and her boyfriend left his dog in a room where Reilly's cat was. They knew that the dog would kill the cat, but they still left it in there. The cat ended up dying and now Relly hates her stepfamily."
--ScottishCat, 13

"Alice, at your service, try to tell your mother that you love her and that you want to be close, or, on second thought, sternly tell her what you wrote here! She needs some help. I would suggest asking your mom to do something WITHOUT Bob and WITHOUT her contacting him!"
--Michael, 12

"Stepfamilies can be hard. Sometimes it's fine but sometimes things go wrong! Most of the time though we are all just family - with no step in there!"
--Jade

"My stepmom is a witch. That's all there is to say about her, besides the fact that she's like, twenty years younger than my dad."
--Ann, 12

"My dad is dating the neighbor. Her 1 kid is a weirdo and the other a crybaby. I hate going to his house when they r there!! I cant say it enough!! And I told her I didnt like her and I got in trouble. And before that I tried talking 2 my dad but he didnt listen!! For parents who read this: pay attention to your kids and what they say! And people who need help or advice just say, Dear KellyB help me with this, cause I know what all u r going through, okay!! Lov yas."
--KellyB, 12

"Hannah, Paul and Genevieve: I think you should all move to your other parent's house so you don't have to put up with your horrible step parents, OR, you could tell this person how you feel."
--Michael, 12

"Sometimes I love my step momsometimes. But other times she can be sooo nasty to me etc. Stepmom: Have you fed the rabbit? Me: No, but Im just about to. Stepmom: HURRY UP, I HATE YOUR TONE OF VOICE. ONCE YOUVE FED HIM GO TO BED. Can you believe it? That happened today at 1:00 in the afternoon. So why do I gotta go to bed? Not fair, eh? Anyway, g2g. Bye xx."
--Kelly, 11

"I don't live in a stepfamily, and it is not difficult. But good thing that my sister is not a stepsister. Good thing she is only a sister, and I like it when she is my sister."
--Amanda, 10

"Learet and Christy: if I have ever heard of a person who REALLY should move to your OTHER parent's house, it is you. I say that you tell your dad about it. No one, and I repeat, NO ONE, should treat you so horribly."
--Michael, 12

"My dad had a temper since I was born, which my mom has told me. She told him that she wanted some time only to think about things last September. Actually, on a bad daySept. 11th! In October my mom met a guy and I'll use this fake name for him: Bob. He has been coming over every day now and sleeping over. My mom is all over him and she acts like she doesn't care about me. We only have one day a week to spend with each other. She has left me every holiday so far and has even taken things out of my bedroom to punish me for my complaining. We argue all the time. I want her to love me more than Bob because she'll always have me. I want to be her best friend. I think they might get married soon. Bob is already looking for houses with her. That's all she talks about. Houses and marriage. I feel like she can't be with me for one second. Every time we're together (not Bob) she calls, e-mails, or texts him. She never does that to me. I need help and advice immediately! I can't keep control of my emotions. I wish someone could help. Signed, Girl Who Feels Unimportant and Unwanted."
--Alice, 11

"I totally hate my stepdad. My mum had me and my sister Cerys, whos 15, then my dad left (see him now and again). She brought us up on her own and we were very close to our mum. Then she met Simon and they have 3 kids: Milly is 4, Liberty is 2, and Maizie has just been born. And my mum has changed. Simon thinks hes in control of everyone. I dont kno what to do :@."
--Lilly

"I live in with a step mother half the time (the other half Im with my real mom), and I really hate it! I mean, there are some benefits, but the only one I can think of is that you get more Christmas presents, and that isnt even what Christmas is all about (I dont even like half of the presents, anyway). The most difficult things about step parents are when they boss around you and your family and then ar hypocritical and do what they told you not to! It also makes me mad when it seems all Jan wants to do is get me out of her life and keep my dad all to herself. It seems as if my dad loves her more than me! That is my take on step families."
--Genevieve, 9

"I hate my dad's girlfriend. My dad is supposed to marry her March 2006. I would have given her a chance until my dad cheated on my mom with her. The worst part is, she was my mom's best friend. I always ignore her and never look at her face and her big nose. Every time she talks about the wedding, I feel like killing myself. I refuse to go to the wedding. What can I do to completely zone this lady out of my life? Thanks for your help."
--Paul, 13

"I hate my mums boyfriend. He is so horrible to me and my mum never sticks up for me."
--Hannah, 12

"My two oldest bros live with me they have a dad that lives about twenty miles away. My mom had them and then married my dad. And then she had me and my brother, who is eleven and turned eleven in November. And Ill be 10 in March."
--Rosanna

"My parents got divorced when I was 2, and both remarried before I was 10. There arent many good things to say about it. I cant handle my step mom. She hates me. She is trying to get me to move out. Thats all I have to say."
--Christie

"I really hate my stepmom so much!!! She thinks she can control everything, especially my dad. I just don't want to hurt my dad's feelings. She's really a witch! I hope my dad leaves her!"
--Laereht

"Karissa, this is for you: Tell your step sis to stop it, and if she doesnt, tell her to go away OR, leave yourself :-)."
--Michael, 12

"Kristina, I agree! But, of course, you forgot to mention two Easters, two birthdays, two family vacations, and of course, two parents -two families, vying for your love and attention. Oh, yeah, divorce stinks. ;-D."
--Anonymous

"It is when they talk to other family. I live with my step mom. My real mom lives in New York. Sometimes I miss her. My brother and my sisters too. Over and out, Bridgette!!!"
--Bridgette, 9

"Christina: I think you should try inviting some of your friends over to your house, so that you have people your age to hang-out with. Chase, this is to you: I say you should talk to a REAL parent and then tell your dad that you want to live with your REAL mom and he has no place in stopping you. I REALLY hope you read this!"
--Michael , 12

"My step sister brags all the time. What should I do?"
--Karissa, 11

"I do. It's hard cuz I had a medium sized fam. 2 start with: Me, Audrey 6, Kelly 2. Then my dad remarried and we have 2-steps: Peter 5, and Adam 1. Finally, a half sib: Lola 3 months. It's usually fun but mostly NOISY!"
--Melanie, 10

"One of the best parts about having two families to love for you. The most difficult thing is people teasing me about having a white dad."
--Kalee, 9

"The good part about having a stepfamily is that you get more Christmas presents."
--Kristina

"Donovan, this goes to you: I think you should TALK to them. It isnt easy, but it pays off."
--Michael, 12

"My dad died in a car crash. My mom married someone and me and my big sis Rachel and lil bro Michael had to move in with them. The man has a daughter called Stephanie who is Rachel's age, and another daughter called Casey who is Michael's age, but I have no one of my age. I hate it here. Please help."
--Christina

"This goes to all the kids with harsh stepfamilies: tell your REAL parent how you feel."
--Michael

"My mother died in March of last year. The loss was devastating to me and I am still recovering. In May of same year my dad met a woman, a woman I had happened to know first through a community theatre. She had 2 other kids, whom I had known for over a year. Well, dad and the woman hit it off, and 1 month later were bonafide Bf/Gf. Her kids were cool with it; they had had a bad experience with their dad, and were happy that mom was happy. Well, the case couldnt have been more different for me.I loved my mom sooo much, and now I see dad loving another woman. Ive dealt with it over the months but it still hurts a lot. Is there anything I can do? The last thing I want is for dad and the woman to decide to go Brady Bunch. How should I deal, or what should I do?"
--Donovan, 13

"No, I don't live in a stepfamily."
--Lisa, 13

"I have a step-brother and I think I am falling for him. Is that bad?"
--Sarah, 13

"The great thing is that youre almost never alone. But the worst thing about it is that my dad died when I was very young and my mom is dating this guy. He isn't the greatest. Anyway, he has 3 kids and one of them always copies me and I really cant stand it."
--Crystal, 11

"The best part of having a stepfamily is that you have people who love you, and not just because they have to, like a real family. The difficult part is that they dont always understand their place, like my stepmom. She doesnt get that she doesnt have a say in how I live my life."
--Erica

"Advice time! If you HATE a step parent, talk to a REAL parent or someone who could help. Chase, you should TELL your dad and move to your mom's house. Tell your REAL mom about it all."
--Michael, 12

"Chase this goes out to you: you gave me love, strength, passion. I betrayed you and Im sorry, I dont expect you to forgive me (I dont even forgive myself) I just want you to know that I love you and will ALWAYS love you. I cant stop thinking about you. If you ever read this call me so we can talk things over!!!! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you. I need to hear you say you love me back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
--ZMJ, 13

"I hate having a stepdad. I ignore him and don't get well along with him because he's very childish, and he slams doors in my face. He's like one of my brothersat least thats how I see him!!!!!!!!! IM CONFUSED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!?!"
--Candace

"I think the hardest part about knowing my dad has a family of his own is not knowing anything about it! He hides that fact he had a kid with her and I really dont care about that. I just wish he could look me in the eye and say it. I really wish I could meet my step-mom and brother, but I just dont know how to tell my dad. I only get to see my dad some days and just for like half an hour and he wont take me to his place ever since he got married. It's horrible! I can't take it!! I feel like he doesn't love me and I sometimes seriously think he doesn't"
--Andrea

"Im like AHappyGirl, I feel sorry for you all too, and here's some advice: To Chase: Tell your dad and confront your stepmonster. To Anna: Tell your dad off."
--Michael, 12

"At first I thought I would hate getting a stepdad. Before mom got married I still had a tiny bit of hope my parents would still get back together. When mom started dating guys, dad got a little jealous. But then my stepdad got nicer."
--Cammy, 13

"I have an older (you could say) stepbrother and stepsister. My dad and stepmom have been fighting a lot lately. I really like my stepmom. I tell her more stuff than my dad and admire her."
--Jason, 11

"I really used to like my dad's girlfriend. However one day the topic of my dad and her moving in together came up. I didn't think too much of it at first but then it just wouldnt leave my mind no matter what I did to try and forget about it. Since I couldn't forget about it I tried to keep telling my dad that I didn't want to leave my school district but when I did that all that happened was he told me he can't promise me anything. Now it looks like they are actually looking for a house and it isnt just in my school district. I really dont want to leave my school because I have respect there and if I leave I will have no friends at the other school. I can't believe my dad would do this to me and I hope they find one in my school district. Otherwise his life will be nothing short of torture."
--Ryan

"I live with a step family and my dad and step mum are never around so I look after all 7 girls by myself They are all under 10 and Im not allowed to have friends over and dont get paid. Im also not allowed to even go to the shop with my friends without taking my step sisters with me. They all get paid but dad said Im old enough to find my own job but I cant coz I always look after my step sisters."
--AlexZacharia, 12

"I live with my mom and my stepdad. My dad got married a year ago, and my stepmom is very cool. I could talk to her like she is my friend. She buys me a lot of stuff. The only problem is my dad lives so far I hardly get to see them. Also my mom hates my stepmom because she is beautiful and young. Every kid should really give the stepparent a chance, you never know how the relationship can end up. The parents would get along greatly, the relationship between the mom and the child can be the most wonderful thing when everyone gets along great. THINK ABOUT IT."
--Jolie, 13

"I dont live in a stepfamily, but my best friend does and she shares all her troubles with me. She says her mother always asks her to give in to her young step-bro, even when he's broken her favorite snow globe her biological father gave her. And her stepfather likes to treat her like a 3-year-old instead of 9. But then again, everything new takes time to accept, and so do stepfamilies. It's difficult to cope with the loss of your dearest ones and accept others to replace them, for they once shared with you fond memories. But, it isn't easy for the stepfamily too. They have to try and win you over so that they can also share fond memories with you. So both of the parties have to learn to understand more of each other in order to win each other's approval."
--Rachel, 9

"I have 5 older half brothers and sisters whom I never met and Im glad!"
--Allie

"To Inez: I say you and your dad should talk about it. Don't worry, when youre in court, you'll do just fine."
--Michael, 12

"To LilWildThang: Lisa sounds so mean!! you should really try to tell someone (like your dad) about it. I can't believe she said that she hates you!"
--Michael, 12

"No, luckily my parents get along, but I have a lot of friends living in stepfamilies so I sort of know how it feels. To those of you who have stepparents treating you badly or being abusive (physically or verbally): You should tell an adult immediately what is going on. You deserve to be treated right. If you feel like you can't talk to your other parent, talk to another trusted adult or counselor."
--Hannah, 13

"Me: Annabelle (Anny). Bio sibs: Cassandra (Cassi) 26, James 16, Margaret (Magy) 10. Mom (would be 42): died 5 years ago. Dad 45: Remarried Isabel 4 years ago. Isabel 39: Stepmom. StepSibs: Victor 14, Cooper (girl) 6. Half-Sibs: Breiah 3, Kelzi 2, Roari (boy) 4 months. Cassi's fam.: Husband: Leo 28, Kids: Charlie + Tayan (girl) 6, Jazz (girl) 2."
--Anny

"Hey I live with my stepdad, mom, and my younger brother, my real dad never calls. He said that he would but he never does. My mom and him were never married and when I was 2. My mom kicked him out bc he was drinking alcohol and he would smoke some pot sometimes. He doesnt even call me on my birthday! I dont even know where he livesI sometimes wonder if he would just die bc I hate him!! I mean he never calls and it hurts me. I mean, I dont want him to call bc I know that I will be really upset the whole night! I have a stepdad and I love him but I feel like Im missing something bc my dad isnt in my life. I know that he ruined our relationship but I just feel soo sad. My aunt was talking about divorce and stuff and she said that I didnt know what they were talking about and how Im not that upset!! She doesnt know what I go through! I mean, godI cant even explain it! I just started hurting myself for attention but then I stopped after about 1 month. If anyone is in this same situation please respond to me."
--Meg

"I never really liked my stepmom, because I felt like my dad sold me out for that lady and we barely speak to each other for now."
--Jessie, 12

"To all of you,  feel SO bad for you as I read these things, especially Anna (12) and Chase and ALL of you. Also, to all of you who have problems with one of your parents, like if theyre mean, talk to your other parents about how you feel. Also, talk to them about the divorce; like if you don't like what's happening. My heart goes out to all of you."
--AHappyGirl

"To: Noelle, age 10. Make your mom tell your dad and step-monster."
--Michael, 12

"I have a stepdad and a stepbrother. It is hard for me to accept my stepdad, and I reject him. Like, I don't speak much with him and I hate his face. It's ugly. I don't understand why I have to like him. He curses me, even my mom. I miss my dad. I even cry."
--Me, 11

"Well my mom and a guy named Rick (an ex policeman) got married in August 2 yrs ago! Me and Rick get along good, but my dad keeps having troubles with this one woman! We dont get along that well! She calls me names behind my back and I would prefer her not to! I prefer if she had something to say, that she say it to my face rather than behind my back. But I just cant deal with the pressure of me in between them! I feel sick to my stomach knowing that they can never get along again! I mean, my mom is taking my dad to court for her visitation rights! But he is making it all a big deal! He's involving my older sis Maria, who is 17 and in Georgia. And I hate being stuck in the middle of it! I mean, I dont want to hurt either one of my parents, but it's like I have to choose sides even though they both said that I don't. But I know when we go to court that I will end up saying something wrong and will hurt both of them!"
--Inez

"Heather, you should confront your stepdad -- nicely -- about his little lying problem, and tell your mom, too."
--Michael, 12

"Conner, tell your dad and ask your mom about this. You shouldn't keep it a secret if your mom is cheating on your dad."
--Michael, 12

"Hey it is me. I am now 11 and have something to add to my 1 thing I posted. Ok: (4) I have no memory of just my real dad. (5) My stepdad lies to my mom about what I do, like if he asks me to do something, I do it. And when my mom gets home he says 'She doesn't listen to me anymore. (6) He cursed at me. I miss my dad."
--Heather, 11

"I have a step dad and sis and a little brother. When my parents got divorced I thought my mom got married too early. It was hard for me to accept them and sometimes I still reject them. I dont understand why I have to like them. I have a sister of my own."
--Morgan

"My mom has AIM and she never lets me look at what shes typing. I saw her say something about divorce papers for her. She says the person she talks to is an old friend, but they are online for hours at a time. I think she is cheating on my dad. They get in fights all the time. Someone please give me advice. I hate to admit it, but Im scared!"
--Connor, 12

"My mom got married a while back. My mom and I decided not to tell my dad or stepmonster cuz they would create problems for us in our new family. Now the time has come to tell them and I know that they will ask me all kinds of questions. I hate both of them and do not want to answer their questions. What should I do?"
--Noelle, 10

"I hate my stepmom so much! She thinks she can control everything my dad does. Like my dad will be nice to me when shes gone then when she comes back he acts totally controlling and mean. Shes always telling me what to do, theres always just one crumb I didnt pick up."
--Carissa

"I live with my dad and step mom. I have a lil step sister and an older brother with my stepmom. My lil sis is great but we are all afraid of her."
--Jake

"I live with both my biological parents but I have a 'half' brother because my dad got divorced with my 'half' brother's mom. My 'half' brother is TWENTY years old. Im ten. He's TEN years older than me!!!! CRAZY."
--Megan, 10

"No, but I sure hope not! My dad and me might not get along, but I wouldn't want THAT to happen!"
--Dude, 12

"Here's advice to ll those kids (like Chase) who hate their step parent: 1. Talk to your real parent. 2. Try living with your other parent. 3. If it doesnt work, talk to the step parent about the problem youre having."
--Michael, 12

"TO ALL: if your step parent is bad, then talk to your real parent. No one deserves that kind of cruelty."
--Dude, 12

"Never let anyone boss you around, especially if theyre not even related to you. I think parents should ask US if they want to get married to someone we don't even KNOW!!"
--Michael, 12

"Yes. Before my parents got a divorce, my parents fought all the time. I would get really scared and run to my older sisters room, because my dad would slam doors and knock things over. But he never threw anything at anybody. Anyways they got a divorce. 1- because they were both unhappy. 2- because he had a temper problem. 3- he was cheating on her! My dad owned a pizza restaurant. And I guess he hired her and they started dating. They must have been dating for a looooooong time because I met her when I was only 6! and Im 12 now. So they got married in Gonzales (some place in Mexico)! Thats where her family is. And my dad was bribing me to go with him for 300 bucks! But he was all, You have to be happy and not be sad, because this really isnt even a real wedding. So dont be upset. Yeah Ok WHATEVER! He cant even make a good lie!! Anyways, so my mom met this math teacher named Joe, who is like 60. And shes 40. I hated him, hated him hated him! I tried everything I could to get him to leave! We would be just fine without him! So they started dating, and every time he was about to leave and my mom would walk him to the door expecting a goodbye kiss, but I would stand right in front of her making sure no one touched her. I was her bodyguard! I did this for a while, then I stopped. I still hated it when they kissed! It made me sooooo mad! Right when he left I would come storming out of my room, yelling, screaming, and crying! Once it got so bad my mom was talking to me that if I didnt stop we might have to see a therapist or something. So I got better at not getting so mad. And me and Joe got to know each other and like each other. Just a little, little bit of me still hates him, wishing he would just leave!!! My mom is about to marry him, and move into his house! My sister is fine with it. She has a boyfriend, a lot of cool friends, shes about to go to college! Id be happy too. Im the only one who isnt happy. I know I cant get my mom and Joe to split up. I've tried everythingbut Im NOT moving!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!"
--Anna, 12

"Chase, tell your dad how you feel about that wicked stepmom of yours, or, try living with your real mom for a while. Your dad can't stop you from visiting her. And your stepmom sounds awful. I understand that pain. Good luck!!!!"
--Michael, 12

"Advice for all those who hate it: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Thats the best advice there is. Ask yourself: Should my life really BE like this?"
--ALovingHeart, 12

"7 years after my parents divorced, my mom was dating this guy called Leo. But he was REAL mean. I was only 13 at the time, and I got to go spend a week with mom in her apartment, but Leo was really mean to me! He's all, Aw geez! A kid! I hate kids! I hated him, so one day I told him I hated him (I added some bad words in) and my mom got real mad!"
--Angiil

"I do not live in a step family. I love that because we are a nice family=)."
--Karolina, 10

"I have a step mom and a step dad. My mom got remarried with a guy named John. My dad got remarried with a woman named Ashley. My parents are good friends. 1 day I had to go to the hospital cuz I got a broken hand. Then my real mom and dad came to the hospital. My parents died there cuz there was a fire and they were in the fire. The fire fighters didnt get there fast enough. Then Ashley said I could live with her. A few months later Ashley started to see someone else. And it turns out that the person was John! 2 years later they got married. Turns out I ended up with both of mystep parents. Ive got a pretty good life."
--DylanA, 12

"Hi my name is Pam. My parents werent even married but they broke up when I was 1 week old. My mom got married to this evil person named Tom. I really hate him. I worry about my half sis Hannah. I dont live wit them -- I live wit my grandparents. My dad continues 2 date. I do have to admit that I do cry a lot. I think everybody who has a step-parent absolutely hates them. I dont know who does so at least we all have something in common!!!"
--Pam, 12

"My parents got a divorce when I was 10. Then my mom started to date and my dad also started to date too. I was really angry. But then when my mom got married it started to get worse. I hated that they got married. Then I got a new brothera stepbrother. I was happy I finally got a brother. But my step dad was the problem. Hes always in my way! I really hate him! I dont really talk to him. Sometimes I just ignore him when my mom isnt there. But Im glad that my parents had the divorce because if they were still together they would just fight and fight and fight! There would be no ending of the problem."
--Karen, 12

"My whole family is messed up. My parents split up when I was 2 so I've been used to going back and forth in between parents. But then about a year ago my mom moved to Hawaii with her surfer bf and dumped me off at my dads house. I didnt have any problems with my dad until he started dating this mean, uglyI cant even describe her she is so horrible. So about after 2 months of them dating they decided to get married. I cried there, I didnt want them to get married! What makes me mad is that they didnt even ask me how I felt about them getting married! Now my step-mom searches through my room constantly to find anything that I shouldn't have, but the real reason she does this is to tell my dad what a loser and a druggie I am and that Im gonna end up with no future. I tried to run away once, but I ended up coming home around 1:00 and she was so mad when I came home that she was screaming about leaving my dad and we would be on the street. So I guess thats just how life is. And even though they hate me so much they wont let me move over to my real moms in Hawaii."
--Chase

"My parents never got divorced, but they almost did once, but they calmed down about an hour later. I was SOOO worried! So I know what it feels like, so I feel the pain for everyone who hates it."
--Dudette, 11

"Well, no, but, to be safe, I try to interrupt them (or walk in on them) when they have an argument, especially when it's a bad one!"
--Anonymous, 12

"My step mum just gave birth today and I hate her and my dad. And the new baby is gonna get all the attention and is gonna be a spoilt brat. I dont know what to do about it. I just never want to see them."
--Jamie

"I live with my mom and my stepfather and I want to leave that house when I turn 16 to live with my birth father, but I don't know if I can leave at 16. Can you help me please?"
--Niasya

"My dad got remarried about 10 years ago, and right from the beginning my step mum was mean to me. She called me names, and abused me emotionally. Now I dont see my dad anymore, and my brother thinks I make it up because she loves him. It hurts because the only person who believes me is my mum. My dad doesnt really care as long as his wife is happy."
--Amy

"I don't have one, but, to all those kids who hate it: I FEEL YOUR PAIN, GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!!!"
--Michael, 12

"Yes. It's hard because you get attached to everyone and they become part of the family and then you can't bear it when things go wrong!"
--Jade

"Hello. My name is Shelby. My parents got a divorce when I was 8 years old. I am over it now but sometimes I will sit back and want to cry. I will have to admit that when parents do get divorced its hard at first but you just have to think about how better it would be because you wouldnt have to listen to them argue. If any of your friends parents get a divorce the best thing to do for them is let them e mad for a while. Anyways, good luck to all!!"
--Shelby, 12

"My dad got remarried about 8 years ago and I have 2 half brothers and a step mom. I came to live with them about 6 years ago. I hate my step mom. She seems to always yell at me. I feel like Im being treated differently then my brothers. I hate her a lot."
--Amanda, 11

"I have been through stepmom after stepmom and they all hate me. And well, my dad has a new girlfriend, and her daughter (who is 8) calls me fat, and Im not. And her daughter gets everything, and she treats me like dirt right in front of them. And they don't say anything. And her 18 year old really doesnt like me. And I hate living, and I can't talk to my dad about it. And I am so miserable I have no idea what to do."
--Riki

"I live with my mum, stepdad and stepbrother. At first I wasn't sure about this because I had just gotten used to my mum's previous boyfriend when he left, and I thought her new boyfriend would be the same. I changed my mind when he married her, and he is also looking into adopting me so I can have the same last name as the rest of them. I love having them around because I haven't had a dad for ages and I've never had a brother before."
--Sean, 13

"Yes I do I live with my stepdad Kyle and my 3 older stepbrothers Andy, Milo, and Eric. My stepdad is ok but I get in trouble a lot. My mom died a year ago, so my stepdad let things slide. But he stopped letting things slide. Yesterday I went to someplace I wasnt supposed to be and I went over his knee."
--Alise, 13

"Yeah, I have one younger stepsister, and 1 older real sis. And my stepsister is so different and she just thinks she's better than everyone else. Recently a girl at school called her a name and my stepsis hit her and started a huge physical fight with her. And she's only 9."
--Hailey, 12 "Hey, it's Jacqueline again! I was talking to my stepdad, Rob and he said he KNEW I used to hate him. He said (jokingly) that he used to worry that I'd put a meat cleaver through his head. I thought that was pretty funny. Ha, ha ha ha ha ha. Ha."
--Jacqueline

"I live with a stepmom and two stepsisters. It is so annoying to deal with being the youngest in both of my stepfamilies and my real family. I live with my dad, one of my real sisters, and two out of three stepsisters. My oldest real sister is in college. It stinks because when I visit my mom in New Hampshire, I have to deal with my stepdad who is very strict!!!!"
--Daisy, 10

"I dont like my stepmom & her kids. She is just going out with my dad for his money. I cant tell my dad that I dont like her & her kids. I need to find a way to get her out of my life. What should I do?"
--KayLee, 10

"Yes. I live with my mom and stepdad, and lately I can't stand him. The reason is: he's 2 strict with me when actually my mom is the 1 who always lets me slide on everything. But lately I can see shes kinda changing and thats not the real her. And now Im starting 2 hate him and not just cause Im mad right now but because it's the way I really do feel now. Im gonna wait a while 2 ask my mom if I can move in with my dad even though I know I'll miss her and her side of the family, cause every time I go and visit I call like every other hour and call after call till I get an answer. U see, me and my mom used 2 be so close but now were getting farther apart little by little. So now Im just gonna stay shut no matter how mad or sad I get or talk back as much as I use 2. But they shouldn't have messed with me cause now when I start talking back it's gonna be worse."
--Melanie, 12

"Yes, I do. 5 years ago, my parents got a divorce, and a while later, mom got remarried. I really hated my stepdad Rob at first, but now I don't think he's so bad. SURE, ANNOYING, but evil, no. You get used to stepfamilies."
--Jacqueline, 12

"Yes! I hated it at first, but now, I like to say, We put the FUN in dysFUNctional! I feel for you guys who hate your stepfamilies. Try keeping a journal of bad stuff that happens, and tell your actual parnt. Hope this helps!"
--Mary Clarice, 13

"Ever since my stepmother moved in with my family my life has been horrible. My dad wants to send me away just for her and I really dont care, all I care about is me not being with her. They say I need to be more open and that I have a wall around me. I only have a wall because if I let her in things r just going to go worse, so NO."
--Gianna, 12

"I don't live in a stepfamily but my mom did. Her parents got divorced when she was eight years old. I don't think it was fun because after her parents got divorced her mom got married all over again and the man she got married to had already had 2 kids with a different woman. His kids were a boy that was 4 years older than her and a girl that was the same age as her. My mom had already had twin brothers that are older than her by 3 years and a sister that was younger than her by 2 years. My mom did not get along with her brothers and sister well and it was even harder for her to get along with her stepsister and brother. My mom told me she was constantly getting in trouble mostly because of actions towards her stepsiblings. Then when she turned 14 she learned to appreciate her family because it meant a lot to her mom and stepdad."
--Samone, 12

"My friend Tricias parents got divorced years ago. Her father got remarried. She has a mom, stepmom, dad, an older sister, and about three stepsiblings. Her father lives near me, and she, her mom, and older sis live with her mom's mom (lived there soon after Tricia's grandfather died) not too far from me. I call Tricia at her grandmom and dad's house often."
--Elizabeth

"I live with my dad and stepmom Stephanie. She has been our only mom since I was 4 and my brother was 3. My real mom was in and out of our lives and for the past 3 years has been out. My stepmom tried to adopt us. My real moms parental rights were terminated but she has appealed the process. Is there any way that I have a say in this? Because my stepmom is my mom and I love her to death because since day 1 she cared and loved us. Thank you, Ashleigh."
--Ashleigh, 12

"I am an honor student who grew up with my mother, and my stepfather. My real father and my mother divorced when I was very young because of his alcoholism. My stepfather has raised me like his own child, but when I started getting older I started to feel in my heart he doesnt love me like his own. I realized this after my half brother was born. It hurts me at times, because I wish I had a father that loved me unconditionally and I know I dont have that. I see how my half brother and my stepdad play together and show each other love, and I feel like an outcast. Its hard to bear at times, but I know I have to keep my head up and deal with it."
--Marjorie

"I have a stepmom and she is simply awful. I almost moved out a few times, but decided that this would ultimately just make my life more complicated. My stepmom is vicious and controlling. She controls my dad so he feels that he has no say in any household matters. She thinks the world of herself: In her mind, she is perfect, therefore she can never be made happy by anything or anyone else because she expects everyone to measure up to her unattainable ideal. My life is very stressful because of her and Im just counting down until the day I graduate high school and am able to move out. She never wanted kids, so she never should have married a man with two daughters. I hate her."
--Carolyn

"Here's the deal: Biological Sibs: Bayleah (Baily-ah). Mom's Side: Half-Sib, Bakwena (Ba-queen-na). Stepdad: Bob. Mom: Bonnie. Dad's Side: Dad: Bo, Stepmom: Brianna, stepsibs: Bradon and Bryce! Weird how all of our name start with B's, ha?"
--Brittina, 12

"Yes. My mom got remarried to a guy name John. I was very scared of him at first. And John and I get along so good. So I guess I really like it."
--Joselyn, 10

"No, I don't live with a step-family member. But I have a step aunt and she is really mean!"
--Somebody, 11

"I have a stepmom named Jullisa. Sh is cool but my real mom (Heathir) is an enemy to Jullisa. But I love both of them. My sister calls my stepmom mom, and thats so sweet cuz she doesnt know its her stepmom. My little sisters name is Angie."
--Jamie, 12

"I am still getting the cane on my butt from my stepmother, often in the presence of my stepsister, who is only 16."
--Hans

"My mom has never married before and she is getting married to a guy who I hate! They have only known each other for a year. And Dave (mom's boyfriend soon to be marrying), hes already had a wife before! I hate him and he kicks my dog, yells at me and my friends. He wouldnt let me have a lock on my door at our new house, soon to be moving to. Im buying a lock to put on my door. I hate him and don't want him coming in my room. I have to go to a new school where everyone is super skinny and all girly! I tell my mom that my life will be ruined if she gets married (its bad enough her dating him). She thinks Im stupid and think like a seven year old. I think like a 14 year old. In fact Im studying alchemy and want to be an alchemist. Dave didn't even know what that was. And he wants my mom and him to share a bank account! Im under stress and have been for years because my mom drinks too much and the cops get involved and my grandparents tried to get custody of me. I cant do anything I want! I can't seem to make any money to help my mom. I also really want to make movies and documentaries. Im almost scared of Dave. Don't know why, though. How can I get my mom to understand?"
--Meghan, 11

"I absolutely HATE it! My stepdad acts like he is God. He is the biggest liar and hypocrite I know."
--Becky

"Yes I do. My mom got remarried to a guy named Mike. Mike and I get along most of the time, but there are sometimes when we want to kill each other. I usually sit on the chair next to him and help him play whatever game he's playing."
--Katie

"Yes. I live with my dad, stepmom, stepbrother and my sis. The good part is, um, there is no good part. The bad parts are that my dad won't listen to a thing I say and he wont pay attention to me. My stepmom thinks she owns me and can tell me what to do. I dont have any freedom. My sister thinks this is the best thing that has ever happened to her and she hates my mom. I think that this is the worst thing that has ever happened and I love my mom to death. And my sister wants me to hate my mom. And I act like the stepfamily thing is the best thing, which it isn't. Everything revolves around my stepmom. My dad brings back a ton of presents for everyone except me. MY LIFE STINKS."
--Anna, 12

"When my mom died my dad got remarried. He married Tiana, who has three children: Calla (6), Jadey (4), and Micky (3). Tiana and my dad had another child, Sadia (6 months). I have a father, step-mother, three step-sisters, and one half-sister. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
--Abreea, 11

"My step family doesnt treat me well and I dont know what to do about it. My real parents dont believe me. What should I do?"
--Joe, 8

"My parents got a divorce when I was 3 and my mom got custody of me. We lived with my grandma until I was 5 and my mom, older sis, and I got a house of our own. My dad got us every weekend and over one weekend my mom met someone. My dad brought us back home and said a long goodbye because he was moving to a different state with his company. My mom introduced us to my new stepdad and brother who's the same age as me. Me and my bro get along, but my sister and I fight with my stepdad like crazy! He hates us, we hate him, and the reason why Im depressed all the time is because of him. There is no good side to having a stepfamily except that my mom is happy. But I can't live with him anymore and my mom won't let me live with my dad, who now lives close to us! WHAT SHOULD I DO? PLEASE HELP!"
--Kayla, 13

"I have a step-grandma and shes really nice."
--Katie, 9

"I don't, but a lot of my friends do. I think it would be hard enough having your parents get a divorce, but even harder if they rearry."
--Samantha, 12

"I hate it. The other day when I was at my dads house my little stepbrother pushed me so I PUSHED HIM BACK. Then my stepmom tried to ground me and I told her she cant ground me and I called her the b word. And she told my dad when he got home, and he spanked me with the belt. Then I was grounded for the rest of the night and the next day I went back to my moms house. But I think I did deserve a spanking though."
--Jannie, 11

"Well my mom and dad have been divorced ever since I was like 2-3 years old, and my stepdad has always treated me like I was his own, because my real dad didn't really act like he was my dad. I have 1 half sister and 1 half brother. But recently my stepdad has been treating me different it seems, just because I ain't his REAL daughter or whatever! I need help please!!!!"
--Kayla

"I don't, but my friend does. I can tell that it is really hard for her. It's a really sad story. Her mom moved to California and she had the choice of Salt Lake with her dad or California. She couldn't stay with us. She called me and told me that she was going with her mom and that she would call me. I haven't heard from her since. I have no idea where she is. She has stepfamily all over. I know it is hard for her."
--Shoe

"My friend Hannah lives in a stepfamily. She is so much better off with her stepmom than if she was with her biological mom. I've never met her real mom, but I really like her stepmom, even if we don't share the same views on a lot of things :)."
--Maya, 13

"Im not exactly sure! My mom has been divorced once before and brought two kids along, and my dad's been divorced four times and brought three kids into their marriage. So, like, they're all older and out on their own now but I don't know any of them very well; my mom says Im the one kid that links her kids to my dad's kids. I don't see my half siblings' other parents or siblings often enough to call them family or receive presents from them."
--Jenna, 13

"I live with a stepfamily. It can be great at times because you get treated good, but bad at times because I get in trouble."
--Brittany

"I have a Stepmother and she is the best stepmother in the world. I can talk to her about anything, and I also work for her. She has always been there for me. She is one of the best and I dont say it to her but she is. And I love having her as a stepmother. I dont have any difficulties with her. She is always nice to me and she never has a go at me. She is a really great person."
--Dean

"I have a stepfather. He is fun sometimes. The thing I hate is I feel like he doesn't even like my mom."
--Ryen, 10

"Yes, and it is OK. My mom just got married to this guy who just happens to be my friend Jesse's dad. I have the same problem as Janey (12). Jesse and his sister are white and me and my siblings are black and we do get teased. My stepdad gave me and my siblings gifts when he met us for the first time. I got a phone. I love my stepfamily."
--D'Janae, 9

"The best part about being in a stepfamily is all the visiting I get to do at Christmastime. I am the youngest of everyone by at least 6 years. My older stepbrothers and stepsisters have children, mostly babies, so that can be really fun. My sister and I get to babysit while everyone else visits. The most difficult part about being in a stepfamily is being separated from my dad and his family. I don't understand this. I don't like it when everyone fights and I feel like it's my fault. I just want everyone to be happy."
--Kathleen, 11

"When my stepmom gets mad at me she says, 'Don't make me go Cinderella on you.' She says that because she hates people who think that stepmothers are all like the one in Cinderella. But she is soooooooooo nice though!"
--Alex, 12

"I dont, but my three cousins have a stepdad whos very strict and picks us up sometimes like on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
--Courtney

"I have a stepmom. She's ok. I like having her around most of the time. She tries her best."
--Paris 11

"I live with a stepfamily. There are 4 of them: my stepdad, stepbrothers (2 of them), and one stepsis. They are the worst becuz I am the baby but here are 3 reasons I hate it. (1) I feel like my stepdad has changed my mom a lot in a bad way. (2) My stepdad is on permanent disability. (3) (this one is the worst) I don't remember any of my memories of it being just me and my mom together."
--Heather, 10

"My father died about two years ago and my mom now has a boyfriend. I like him, but I don't want him to have a relationship with my mom. It is hard to see them together as a couple. I do things to make him go away, but he is still there. My mom cares about him and she said that he will never take the place of my father but I think he will. And my mom won't love my daddy any more."
--Lauren

"We're Augustin and Beau. We are twins. When our stepmother had our two little brothers, Carver, 6, and Daniel, they were both a lot of trouble. When they were 3 and 4, they ALWAYS asked us to play EVERY DAY. It was really annoying. By the time our stepmother had our baby brother, Kent, they were really interested in him. 2 months later, they lost interest in Kent and started to bother us again. When our biological mother and our stepfather moved into the neighborhood with the triplets and sister, Cory, Seth, Michael, 5, and Ally, 9, they started to play with the triplets and bother our sister Ally. Life is good."
--Augustin, 10

"No, but my dad gained a stepfamily 4 years ago. His stepdad's name is Tom (my sister and I like to call him George for some reason). He has two stepbrothers named Craig and Mark but Mark died a few years ago from heart trouble."
--Olivia, 12

"Well, I sort of live with a stepfamily. Its cool at times, cause they help with bullies and stuff like that, but it is tough at times cause u dont have very much in common and its hard to get along."
--Iesha, 13

"I am reporting this for my friend Shanda who lives in a stepfamily. It's her, her mom Kerry, her stepdad Joe, and her new half-sister Sierra Catalina."
--Michelle, 11

"I used to live in a step family and it was the worst! My dad acted like all he cared about was his new wife, and it made me really upset that he didn't love MY mom anymore. It hurt both me and my sister. And thats not just the worst part! Our stepmom was MEAN! She blamed me and my sister for something she did! For example, one day me and my sister were in my dads closet wrapping his present (it was almost Fathers Day) and he has a walk in closet, so its very big. We did not notice something above us that happened to be Lisa's (our stepmom) present to my sister for her b-day (it was coming up too). So, we finished wrapping, and she saw us come out (she knew what we were doing). A couple hours later, she yelled, WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAKE IT FALL!! I HATE YOU BOTH!!!!! We were so scared my sister started to cry. Now all of you who have stepmoms, don't be scared. Not all stepmoms are like that. Im sure yours will be very nice. Except for if she turns out like Lisa!"
--LilWildThang, 10

"I have a stepmom and shes really nice. My mum died a few years ago. At first I didnt like someone taking my mums place, but my stepmum is now my best friend. We do a lot of stuff together. Its fun!"
--Katie, 13

"No I do not. My friend Shanda does though. Her mom got married two weeks ago for the first time (she was unwed when she had Shanda). Her stepdad is named Joe. And guess what? Shanda just called and says her mom is in labor. OK, sorry, TMIbut she is having a baby."
--Michelle, 11

"I've told you about the stepfamily on my mom's side. Now for my dad's side. He married this one lady named Kristen. Guess how many kids she has: SIX. I'll tell you their names and ages. They are: Mandy (12), Leah (10), Shoshanna (8), Lindi (8), Ruth, (6), and Rachel (4). And guess what? There are TWINS on the way! I hope one of them is a boy because literally all of my stepsiblings are girls."
--Nick, 12

"Its hard. I wish I lived with my mom but she is oo busy all the time. I live with my dad and his new wife and her son, my stepbrother. I like him. I have a brother and sister that I fight with a lot. I get mad a lot at everyone and I want to run away to my moms but I wont ask her to come for me. My dad tells me that it wont happen, she has a busy life."
--Mike, 9

"I have a stepfamily because my mom died 2 years ago, and my dad got remarried to a lady 1 year after. My mom was really, really mellow and laid back but my step mom is veryI guess you could call her strict, but its kind of more than strict. Its like if we do something she doesnt like then we're gone! She complains to my dad 24/7 about how we are so annoying and about how we are wrong in everything we do. It makes me feel really worthless. I miss my mom because she didnt make me feel like that and duh, she was my mom! Also my stepbrothers and stepsister are just weird. Like 2 of my stepbrothers have autism. Thats a type of disease where they have kind of a different brain than unautistic people. Like my stepbrother that is 18 is very smart but he is very set on what he knows, and if you say something wrong about math or science or whatever they get really mad and tell you youre wrong. My other autistic stepbrother is so focused on what he knows that if you have an opinion and he doesnt agree with it he tries to change your mind! I just really wish I could go back and save my mom from dying. I really think that my life would be better. I dont know what the best parts of a stepfamily are. I really dont have any idea why we have stepfamilies, and I think all of you people out there that dont like your stepfamily would agree with me!"
--Michelle

"My brother's friend has a stepsister who is my age so when he goes over to the guys house if it's just to hang out he brings me. Sometimes he won't just because he doesn't want to take his lil sister everywhere. But it's cool that one of my friends is my bro's friend's stepsister."
--Kylie, 9

"My parents are divorced. My dad married his long-time girlfriend. My mom has a new boyfriend, a. k. a. my old neighbor! Thanks to him my mom is having a baby girl! This whole stepfamily thing happened to me too quick. Here is some advice, KEEP YOUR PARENTS MARRIED!!!"
--April

"I don't live with a stepfamily, but a lot of ppl on my mom's side of the family have been divorced and remarried. This is a problem because on Christmas I don't even know everyone's name, or even how theyre related to me. It bugs me when I don't know what name to call someone, so I don't talk to anyone unless they ask me something."
--Mia, 12

"I am almost in a stepfamily. My mom is getting married to this guy who happens to be my best friend's uncle! He has a son named Finn who is 16 and a daughter named Ashley who is 14. I am an only child so Im excited about getting sibs."
--Julie, 13

"I have a step mom named Carol. It's hard because I like it when she does things my mom's way but she doesn't always get it right. I also have a half-brother named Thomas Austin."
--Linzy, 8

"My dad lives in Austin and I live in Garland (Texas). My mom is engaged to a guy named Thomas and it's kinda tough because my stepsister says, 'Why do you call him Tom?' My dad married this lady named Wynona and she really likes football, which pleases my brother Kit."
--Ruby, 8

"My cousin does. She says that her stepsister is a brat, but she understands because her stepsister is only 3."."
--Julie Anne, 13

"No but my friend Alexa does. She has one biological sister and 3 step-sibs. She lives with her mom and step-dad but her dad lives nearby so she visits him a lot."
--Olivia, 12

"My mom just got married to this guy named Joe and he's really nice. He doesn't have any kids yet. This is my mom's first husband because she became a single mom at 14. She is still in school because she's training to become a doctor. My mom is pregnant again and I hope it's a sister. Joe likes to take me to baseball games a lot."
--Shanda, 12

"My mom just got married agin. My stepdad's name is Eddie and he has 2 little girls who are twins. They are 5 and their names are Lacey and Chloe. They are annoying but I love 'em anyway."
--Nick, 12

"I have a step-grandma on my mom's side. I don't like her very much because she is as old as my aunt! She acts all nice and everything, but I would be happier if I had my old grandma back. She died when I was three. I don't get why my granddad remarried, but I don't like it. When I visited them after not seeing them for 7 years. I actually mistakenly called my step-grandma aunt. It's horrible."
--Caidynce, 13

"My parents are divorced. I live with my mom. She married this man named (get this) Mike Brady. And he has three boys. Their names are Mike Jr. (13), Grant (8), and Patrick (3). We are like the Brady Bunch cause they are all brunettes and my sisters and I are all blonde. My dad lives in the next city over (St. Paul) with my step mom Karen. She has five kids named Amanda (19), Bobby (14), Jason (12), Katie (12) and Julian (9). My sisters are named Rose (21) and Grace (19). In all I have 10 sibs. Especially at my dad's house it's noisy, but fun. I also have to babysit Grant and Patrick at my mom's house and Julian at my dad's house. But it's fun to have lots of sibs and I'm the only kid in my class with 10 of them!"
--Alex, 12

"I'm gonna get one on my dad's side, but I have one on my mom's side already. My step dads name is Harvey and he has 3 kids named Julius, Janay, and Jordan. It's hard because he is black and airheads laugh when I say that Jordan is my stepsister because I am white and she is black. Jordan is my age, Julius is in high school and Janay is in daycare still. On my dad's side I have Molly as my soon-to-be step mom. She is really nice but she lives far away (I'm in Ohio and she is in Los Angeles). She is from Ireland and has kids named Seamus (14), Erin(10), Holly (8) and Devon (6). My mom's house is a nice middle class house in a suburb of Cincinnati. But my dad's new house is in BEVERLY HILLS! Molly is a big-time lawyer and I get to spend the summer there and spring break! They are getting married on the beach in April. I like my stepfamilies."
--Janey, 12

"I have three step-brothers and one regular brother. Its not hard."
--Jessie

"My daddy remarried someone after my mom moved to Augusta on her own (she's from there, I live in Brookline). I love my stepmom. She is really nice. My stepsiblings are named Brian, Bobby, and Sasha. Brian is 20, Bobby is 14, and Sasha is 5. I also have real sibs named Sarah and Isaiah. Sarah is 9 (we're identical twins) and Isaiah is 12. Everyone really sticks together. My mom's new husband is super nice. He has kids named Graham, Katie, Ellen and Mike. Graham and Katie are 6, Ellen is 8, and Mike is 10. By the way, my stepdad is named Johnathan and my stepmom is named Margaret."
--Chloe, 9

"All my life I never knew my real dad but recently my mom got married. I have a stepdad and its hard sometimes to call him dad, and my little sister always asks, Why do you call dad stepdad? or people asking questions like, Where is your real dad? or What happened? The best part is that I now have a dad to share moments with that will last a lifetime!!"
--Amber, 13

"The best part about stepfamily is that if you were an only child, you would have family, and the difficult part is that they wont leave you alone, and that they say they know you but they dont. They also dont understand when to leave you alone."
--Erin, 12

"My parents divorced when I was 2, me and my 3 older sisters and 1 little stayed with our mom. When I was 12 I moved in with my dad and stepmom and lil half sister who was 6. It was hard at first, but now I call my stepmom 'Mom' and we are a family and I never talk to my real mom. I have a stepbrother and sister but they dont visit, and I have so many half and step siblings on my b-moms side I can't count them."
--Piper

"My parents divorced when I was a baby. My older sister and brother and I live with my dad and stepmom. My sepmom used to be my sister's teacher, so that was weird for her. We all kind of get along. My brother just started fighting with my dad more because he doesn't like my stepmom."
--Alyssa, 8

"My mom and dad got divorced when I was 5 and I was so scared! But now at 7 my step-dad and my step-mom are happy! Hooray!"
--Lauren

"Nope. But I don't want to have a stepfamily because if I have one Ill cry!"
--Yunxin/Chelsea

"My father moved to Seattle all because of my step-mom! Now he only visits every 5 months and when he visits, he acts like Im not even there! I know this is horrible, but Im starting not to even like my own father! Also my step-mom has no business being rude to me."
--Angelie, 9

"I don't have a stepmother or stepfather but my friend Mallory does. She says having a stepparent is hard. She really misses her time with both of her parents. I don't think people should get divorced. It's not fair for kids to only see one parent at a time just because their parents argue."
--Anonymous, 10

"My parents got divorced when I was little. I only have a stepfather. At first I thought it would be difficult but then I got used to it. He and my mom will soon have a baby and I will love my half brother or sister as if they were my own brother or sister."
--Teresa, 12

"Right now, I live with my dad and stepmom. She's 28 and she's cool and she's Hispanic like my real mom, so I really don't miss my old home, but I really didn't like my mom. My stepmom gets me and understands what it's like to be 14 (sometimes). We are really close!"
--Michele

"I have a two stepparents. My stepdad is really mean and yells a lot about stupid stuff. My dad lives out of town so its hard but my stepmom is much more normal than my stepdad."
--Kel

"Yes. I don't really consider my step-dad a step because he takes better care of me then my real dad does."
--Megan, 13

"I don't know why my stepfather doesn't like me. He acts like I am invisible, and he always frowns at me. Oh, I hate it when he comes home from work, and I say Hello with a smile, and he looks all mean, and doesn't even say anything. He has his own son that he adores, and he treats his son like he's his wife. My mother doesn't like it, so things do get kind of crazy in our house. When he gets mad at me, he goes crazy and throws things. I am trying to care for my stepfather, but its hard."
--Charles

"I hated it when my dad remarried. My stepmother and I had some differences, but now we are perfectly fine!"
--Jamilah, 11

"I hate my stepmom! She says I lie, she controls my dad, and she is mean!"
--Hannah, 13

"I have a step-mother and what I like about her is that she reads to me before I go to bed. I think it is fine how it is!"
--Rea, 9

"I only have a step-mom! What I like about it is that we play volleyball every morning. It is difficult because she yells at me sometimes. That's not okay!"
--Sharon, 8

"I live in a stepfamily. At first it was pretty hard because my dad met someone with two other kids! They are younger than me but are pretty cool. The only thing I'm not really used to is being the perfect role model. I still love them like they were my own family and am happy I even know them! I dont live with my dad and stepmom but thats cool, because then I get an extra vacation spot."
--Malinda, 12

"I hate my stepmom. We are never close and I like my old mom better and she's a lot smarter then my stepmom. I don't get why my dad is with her and I always get in trouble for talking trash to her."
--Jeff, 13

"No I don't, but I would give ANYTHING (except my pet frog of course) to have a sibling. It gets too quiet in my house. It's boring occasionally, so even arguing with a sib would add some drama. Sometimes I don't feel like talking to my parents so it would be nice to talk to someone else without running up huge phone and online bills with my BFFs."
--Me

"The difficult part is that I'm not very close with my stepmom, to tell ou the truth. We aren't close at all. One good thing about having a stepfamily is double the presents. My advice if you have a stepmom you're not close to, just leave her alone and just chill because if you're miserable, it won't break them up."
--Miranda, 11

"I have a stepdad. It is like he is not my stepfather however because he raised me ever since I was 2. My mom and biological father divorced and my stepdad raised me from then on!! He, my mom, sister, brother and I all have fun and my stepdad cried when I first called him 'dad' at age 3 or 4. So I know he really loves me as a blood son. I basically am! My favorite cousin is KayAnna, my stepcousin who is as close as a blood cousin to me!"
--Gage

"I have a step-family and the best part is that both of my step-sisters and my step-mom like to draw like me! So whenever I go to see my dad and step-family, my step-sister Emma goes on the computer and prints out things to color and it's a lot of fun. The bad part about it is that my sister always makes fun of them. Its sad and mean to say that about your step-family. They even called my dad a lying jerk just because he left my mom a week after we moved to Mahtomedi. But I love my dad and my step-family. Theyre cool."
--Devin, 9

"I don't have a step-family but I know someone who does. My best friend says she hates not getting any milk in her cereal because she's the 3rd oldest out of 8 kids. She says there's nothing fun about it and to just put up with it."
--Sarah

"My dad is getting remarried and he seems like the happiest person in the world. I mean its fine if he loves her and she loves him back, but he isn't considering my opinion about it. I can't spend any time with him, AT ALL and I hate her so much its unbelievable! The other problem is she totally loves me! I'm having so many problems accepting this marriage!"
--Courtney, 9

"Yes sort of, except it's my step-grandmother and I live with my parents. The best part about it is I can get to know her and share with her about different things that occurred in my life. The difficult part about having a step-grandmother is that she reminds me of my grandmother who passed away so much. It sort of makes it hard for me to really include my step-grandmother in my life."
--Samantha

"Yes I do and my step-mom is sort of strict."
--Reilly, 11

"I don't live with a stepfamily yet but my dad is getting married in October and I am pretty excited. I think it will be fun because I am gonna have two step-sisters and they both like to play with me. I think the bad part will be that they have two cats and I'm allergic to cats!"
--Devin, 9

"I switch houses every three months. Three months go by fast! The best parts are that you always have someone to talk to who knows what you're going through. That's if you have step-siblings. The worst part is if you leave homework or something behind and your teacher gets mad at you because you didn't do it. That happens to me a lot because I'm really forgetful."
--Lila

"My mom got married in June. Now I have a stepfather, stepsister, and other family members I've never seen before. I'm trying to deal with this new change but I'll get used to it."
--Danielle, 13

"I have a stepfather and a half-brother. I don't really get along too well with my stepfather because he wants to be a replacement for my dad who has died. I love my baby half brother even though he can be annoying."
--Tracey, 13

"No I do not. I only have a stepfather and he is never around because he works in Oregon. He's pretty cool and he actually relates to me when it comes to what I think about my real father!"
--Kori

"I have a stepmother and some good things are that I can talk to her about girl things that I can't talk about with my dad. Bad things are that sometimes she's really mean and she spends too much time with my dad!!"
--Lana, 12

"I have a stepmother because my parents got divorced. So I live with my mom and grandparents and her youngest brother. I also live with my little brothr, my twin sister, my older sister, and my older brother. My stepmom hasn't had any kids yet."
--Madina

"I've lived with a step-family since I was about 3-4. The best part about it is that you always have someone, but there are a lot of bad things. One bad part about it is that they aren't your family. I only see my father every other weekend. My stepfather isn't my real father. He is my stepfather. "
--Samantha, 12

"The best part of having a stepfamily is that you have someone to talk/play with and the difficult thing is that you do not get enough attention."
--Angelique, 12

"I know my parents are not step-parents. My dad was one of those kids with no parents. I don't know if my grandma is really my real grandma, because my dad said he was abandoned by his real parents!"
--Andrea, 9

"The toughest part was choosing who to live with, my mom or my dad. I don't know what to do. I feel so much pressure, I don't know how to deal with it. A stepfamily is hard. My mom and dad bribed me and I felt sooooooo much pressure."
--Tonya, 11

"Well, I used to live with my mom. Now I live with my dad. When I moved in he wasn't married. We got along great. Now he's been remarried for about three yrs now. My stepmom has three grown children. Out of all seven (my dad's four and her three) I am still the youngest. It's okay but for a while there I didn't get along with her. Now we are like one big happy family. It's actually pretty cool once you get used to it. That is, if you don't get into fights."
--Alicia

"I might live in a stepfamily soon. I'm not very happy about it. They say they are trying as hard as they can not to get a divorce and actually, things are getting better! :) But, they still do fight a lot. :( I cry at night about stuff like that. I really hate it."
--Desirae, 10

"I do not live with a stepfamily but I do live with a single adopted mother. When I was 3 years old I was adopted and became a part of a very loving family. Actually my entire family of siblings was adopted. I would have to say that the best part of being adopted is the diversity in the family. I have a half Afro-American brother, a half Mexican sister and a sister that is part American Indian. I have 1 brother and 3 sisters and they are each different in their own way. The worst part is when I get made fun of about being adopted. I love my adopted family and I always will."
--Melody, 13

"I live with my mom and her boyfriend. He's like a stepfather even though he isn't yet. The best parts are how good he is with us. Nothing's really bad though. At my dad's I have a stepmom too. She's really nice to us also. But what's bad is that she doesn't like one of my brothers. She also throws a fit to my dad all the time and I really hate it. I don't see how my dad can put up with it all the time. If my husband doesn't like one of my kids, then I would tell him to hit the road! No matter how much of a 'HOTTIE' he is!"
--Kinsey, 12

"Well let's seeI have 2 stepbrothers, 2 half brothers, 3 stepsisters, 2 step-moms and 1 step-dad. So I really don't have any full blood siblings. Let me make this extremely clear: I HATE MY STEPFAMILY."
--Ashlee, 12

"No. My older brother did. My papa is John's stepfather."
--Elizabeth

"I love my stepmom. She is the best there could ever be!!!"
--Chelsey, 11

"YES! I do live in a stepfamily situation. The best part about it is I get to go more places because of two families. The difficult part about it is that I used to just have 3 brothers and 1 sister, but now I have two stepbrothers and one stepsister which leaves me with five older brothers and two older sisters and I'm the youngest."
--Baylee, 10

"I have bipolar disorder, therefore I have a lot of problems to begin with and dealing with my stepdad makes things so much worse!"
--Alie

"Some thing I like about having a stepparent/stepdad is that my mom is happy. What I don't like about it is that he so bossy and I cant talk to him about anything. I've been living with him for 7 yers and they just got married and I still cant talk to him!!!"
--Te'Era, 12

"I live with a stepfamily. There is no good part for me when I have a stepmother and father. It's just hard for me to know who is right and who is wrong because sometimes my real mother fights with my real father about my education and about money. He has to pay because my mother lives in Miami and my dad lives in Chicago, so it's hard."
--Angie, 10

"I love my family because of my little sister Alyssa, my little brother Michael, and my other sister Kaligh. Whats difficult is living with so many people."
--Shannon

"I live in a stepfamily. I have a stepfather. It is not hard to deal with living with a stepfather. He loves you just as much as your real father would. He helps me and I love him! He is always there for me and my family. I enjoy him being around."
--Kristan, 12

"My grandpa died of cancer before I was born. My Grandma remarried and I got about 5 stepaunts and who knows how many stepcousins. My dad only had 1 or 2 sisters before the marriage. Nothing is different because this is how I have always known my family."
--K.T., 10

"I sort of have a stepmom and three stepbrothers. Their names are Barry, Blake and Brant. My dad thinks I like Blake the most and I think that I like all of them, not just Blake."
--Jessie

"It is not fun having a stepfamily!!!"
--Karen, 9

"I don't, but I think it might be fun to have more people in my family (not that I want Mom and Dad to get divorced!!!)."
--Sierra, 9

"I dont know them that well because it has been a long time since I have been with them. I dont get to see them that much and I miss my real family too."
--Kayla, 9

"I really do not have a stepmother but I know how it feels. The mother of my half-sister felt like a stepmother. She kept on yelling and yelling things like, Do not go upstairs!"
--Adriana, 8

"I like getting double of everything because my parents are divorced and my dad got remarried. The things that are difficult are that my dad lives out of town. Every other weekend my mom drives me out to Seattle to visit him. At the end of the weekend, I have to go all the way back to my mom's house where I spend two weeks."
--Emma, 10

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