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Prince Vegita
12-22-2007, 05:50 AM
Got my first real full-on experience being a Dad today. Up to now it's basically been me playing Step-daddy echo chamber to Ro's H.M.I.C. Today, however, the kids had the day off school, and Shit Weasel (real dad) dropped them off at 9am. Unfortunately Ro had to work, and to make matters worse she's been getting progressively more sick.

So I somehow managed to keep them from fighting, got them to actually eat lunch (not particularly nutritious, but no soda/chips were involved), kept them from fighting, played board games, kept them from fighting, worked in 4 days worth of dirty dishes, kept them from fighting, played some action figures/stuffed animal silly games, kept them from fighting, took care of the dogs, kept them from fighting, watched a little TV, and kept them from fighting.

Mom got home and we went to a new greasy spoon across the street, got home, opened a couple presents early, played with them some more, the girl had a small meltdown that drained Ro who had to hit the hay at 7:30 because she felt so shitty. I got the kids into bed somehow, teeth brushed and all, read with them for a bit, kept them from fighting, made about 20 trips downstairs for water, kisses for mom, etc, and finally got them both to fall asleep. Had to lay there for about 20 minutes with the girl till she conked out, then deal with the dogs, and lay out some fresh PJs for Ro (should she ever make it out of bed and to the bathroom).

Amazingly everyone still wants me around. So I'm going to consider today a success.

ShottleBop
12-22-2007, 05:56 AM
Sounds like a typical day. Congratulations!

Prince Vegita
12-22-2007, 06:01 AM
Thanks. I was afraid they wouldn't listen to a goddamned thing I had to say, but somehow we made it through the day.

Schrodinger's Cat
12-22-2007, 06:51 AM
Welcome to DadWorld. Don't expect too much thanks or visible displays of appreciation, but be secure in the knowledge that they will remember and be grateful for your love and affection. Give them a few weeks to feel out the ground rules of your relationship with them, be friendly but firm on matters of discipline, and above all, do not try to compete with Shit Weasel. The most valuable thing that you can give them is your time, try not to side publicly against Shit Weasel and the kids will gravitate towards you for support and advice on how to deal with their parents.

My beloved new wife has inserted herself seamlessly into my children's lives, and acted as a very helpful buffer bettween the children and my post-separation issues with Witchy. The first few months of a 'revised family' can be a test of confidence for any new step parent,treat them as you would your own children,expect them to treat you as an adult friend, and if they start calling you Dad, it's a bonus. Good luck, you're travelling a path taken by many before you, and those who have gone before are usually more than willing to provide support and advice.

Prince Vegita
12-22-2007, 07:35 AM
Thanks for the advice, already on it. Never hurts to hear it again though. And they've already decided I'm dad.

One for Sorrow
12-22-2007, 04:03 PM
It sounds like you're doing a fine job, Prince Vegita.

I hope Roland starts feeling better soon. :soup:

livius drusus
12-22-2007, 04:08 PM
Man, I'm exhausted just reading about all that. Well done, PV. :five:

Clutch Munny
12-22-2007, 05:43 PM
What, your wife has a job?

Prince Vegita
12-23-2007, 04:34 AM
What, I have a wife???

Yeah, she has a job. I don't. So let's kindly never bring it up again :D

Deadlokd
12-23-2007, 05:31 AM
Well done Prince Vegita. I'm a step-dad myself. My wife (and in this instance she is my wife:D) had four kids before I met her. I found that if I treated them as people instead of children the respect grew quickly. I'm not saying buy them cigars and take them to strip shows, just saying don't talk down to them. Respect them, they'll respect you. And never, ever back down. If you've made a decision stick to it. Even if, after some contemplation it seems like a silly decision, don't back down. Kids can smell uncertainty and will pounce upon it like hyenas on a carcass.

It sounds like you coped fine though. Nice work. How old are the kids?

Prince Vegita
12-23-2007, 06:49 AM
They're 8 and 5.

Plant Woman
12-23-2007, 07:05 AM
kept them from fighting...
kept them from fighting...
kept them from fighting...
kept them from fighting...

:foocl:

Ahhh, those were the good ol' days.

Good job!