Who does the discipline?

Question

In a relationship or marriage with children and step children who does the discipline? Is it both of the adults or each parent takes care of their own child.

Answer 1

That's tough. I have a 9 year old son and together we have a 9 month old daughter. It is really hard for me to let him handle the punishments because I think he is too hard on my son. We've had so many fights about it and we never get anywhere. I know that it's not healthy for me to handle it all because then my son will never have respect for my husband, but at the same time, it's my nature to want to stand up and protect my son....

Answer 2

Every blended family does it differently, but I recommend if there is stress from one step-parent being too harsh that the husband and wife discuss the punishment so that one doesn't dish out punishment only to be undercut by the natural parent.

Blended families are so difficult! Often, if the step-parent doesn't discipline, the natural parent feels the step-parent isn't involved enough, yet when they do discipline, the natural parent feels the step-parent is being too harsh with their child!

Answer 3

Take care of your own child....as a step parent, I treated my step son exactly like the other boys....but I was always the bad guy and was picking on him whenever I disciplined him. Then my husband would get nasty with my sons.....it wasn't pretty,and caused alot of drama. The way he turned out....he really needed his butt throughly kicked instead of protected by Daddy and Grandma....I blame them for his issues now.

Answer 4

I feel that it's both parent's responsibility but if there ever should be a situation where grabbing is involved then it should be the parent instead of the step parent.