And again, another brilliant point raised by Vicky - it is incredibly hard to co-parent with a step parents. I don't give a rats about The Brady Bunch, to truth is that is rarely works if a step parent tries to discipline a step-child.

We have a rule in this house that we do NOT discuss the raising of DD1 (Dp is not her father). He is hypercritical of her at all times (yes he is an opinionated git anyway), and he doesn't know her like I do. So there. He gets all uppity if she comes home grumpy and starts nickpicking her. I have several friends that say the same goes for them unfortunatley. I don't care because she hives off to her room for a few hours because comes out fine later. She just needs time to wind down for a cr@ppy day like the rest of us FFS!

Bluddy stepfathers! If they could only realise the best thing they can do is step back and support us with these kids instead of getting all nitpicky it would be so much easier for all involved....

Sorry - rant over.