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Stepmother Uses Toxic Discipline Methods On Kids, Father Finds Out And Tells Her That She Has No Say In How They Should Be Raised
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Stepmother Uses Toxic Discipline Methods On Kids, Father Finds Out And Tells Her That She Has No Say In How They Should Be Raised

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Having a family is so worth it – however, before settling down, it’s significant to understand that you’re ready to give it your all. Your what used to be carefree life will now be full of responsibilities you’re bound to take on for your partner and your children, and it’s essential to acknowledge that you’re, in fact, are willing to put them first.

Life is not all about happiness, and sometimes it gives you the lemons that everyone’s talking about – you might fall out of love or separate due to any other reasons, which means that you’ll have to figure it out and co-parent. It’s stressful and emotional, especially when there are stepparents involved.

This online user took it to one of Reddit’s well-known communities to share a story involving his new wife and her rather abusive ways of disciplining his children. The post received nearly 14K upvotes and 2.6K worth of comments discussing the woman’s unhealthy tactics.

More info: Reddit

Co-parenting is never too easy, especially when there are stepparents involved

Image credits: Don DeBold (not the actual photo)

Being a parent is extremely nerve-racking, let alone if you’re separated. It’s in your best interest to find a way and build a friendly relationship with your former partner in order to give your child the life they deserve. There might be a few bumps on the road, especially if you remarry – however, it’s always important to remember to put your kids’ needs first.

New wife left to stay with her mother after partner called her out on her abusive discipline methods

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Image credits: callmedisgruntled

The author begins his story by explaining that he and his ex-wife have a 9 y.o. daughter and a 12 y.o. son and that they divorced shortly after their daughter was born. The family was lucky to end things rather peacefully – the OP’s former partner fell out of love and he calmly accepted it – so they still maintain a great relationship.

Image credits: callmedisgruntled

The man also revealed that co-parenting has been easy for him, as they have 50/50 custody where no authorities were involved. The children spend a week with him and then the next week with their mom, as they live quite nearby. The ex-partners both agreed on a certain discipline method they use on their children, so there’ll be no favoritism involved.

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Image credits: callmedisgruntled

The author has been dating a woman for 7 years and ended up marrying her last year. He mentioned that she was always great with his children – however, everything changed in a moment. The man’s 9-year-old managed to steal a bunch of chocolate from a corner store, and instead of disciplining the girl using the family’s agreed system, the OP’s new partner took his children home and made the daughter eat all the chocolate even after she complained of a belly ache.

Image credits: callmedisgruntled

Naturally, as soon as the man found out about his partner’s toxic methods, he confronted her. He explained that he and his ex-wife have a certain tactic they use when their kids misbehave and that she had absolutely no choice in punishing them, especially using such an abusive method. Of course, the author’s wife got upset and said that he can’t expect her to be married to him and not have a say in how the children are raised, to which the man repeated himself and said that she should respect and follow the upbringing techniques he and his ex-wife agreed on.

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The father-of-two got a few days of the silent treatment and was later left alone as his wife simply couldn’t look at him anymore. Later on, the MIL decided to call and berate him, saying that he was mistreating her daughter by not allowing her to discipline his children. The man also spoke to his ex-wife about this rather uneasy situation and she thanked him for being so defensive of their choices.

Image credits: callmedisgruntled

The OP later updated the post to let the readers know that, just as they’ve suspected, his new partner was also using these abusive punishment methods on his 12-year-old son. For instance, he was forced to stand on burning concrete when he jumped into the pool when he was told not to, the woman also managed to rip his sketchbook because he once drew on a desk, etc.

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Moreover, the man revealed that his son decided to tell on his stepmom simply because he saw his little sister being punished. So, once again, he confronted his wife, though unfortunately, she didn’t seem to find a problem with her toxic and inappropriate actions.

Fellow Redditors sympathized with the author and collectively agreed that his current partner was wrong

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eeveestar682 avatar
Peppy Piplup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her solution for stealing chocolate is to make it impossible for the shop to get their product back at all?

jamessmith_23 avatar
James Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The new wife's punishments are plain wrong. The kids are learning "my stepmom will physically hurt me" and nothing else. I'm just wondering how they got so far in the relationship without a conversation about discipline philosophies. She could have adjusted if those expectations were clear, and then it would have been obvious whether he wanted her to be around his kids for 7 years or not. The dad is partly at fault, imo.

viviane_katz avatar
-
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that the stepmother refuses to change makes his upcoming divorce right. In my late teens, I had some wrong-headed ideas about raising children, which I discussed with a boyfriend. I'm grateful that my boyfriend confronted me about it. He simply looked shocked and said, "My parents never treated me that way." He turned out fine, so that was the start of my questioning my mother's propaganda.

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abdk333 avatar
K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a step mother that abused me for three years when I lived w my dad. I only told my mom bc my dad would've blown me off and my dads parents told me I was over reacting. I wasn't she was physically and mentally abusive. My dad finally listened to me when they divorced bc he saw her in action w his son. She abused their son my half brother too. He didn't turn out so well bc of it. Thank god I had my mom if I didn't I would've ended up like my brother.

teresacline avatar
Cold Contagious
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I''m so sorry. My mother married my step-dad when I was 2.5 and my brother was several months old. It was fine until my step sister was born 3 years later. He was so abusive. I've experienced the made to eat until sick, not stolen or anything, but food they put on my plate that I didn't want. Whipped with switches and have weeping wounds on mine and my brothers legs and arms from not moving fast enough to do as told below the age of 10, slung by arms and legs, smacked, hit with belts and the buckles would get in the way. Sexual innuendo in my case, a hole drilled in my wall, so many other things. I told my dad and stepmother once when I was in 2nd grade but I was called a liar and they told them that I was angry about a punishment and I wasn't believed. I just never told again. My mother was angry with my step-dad once and told my husband about several things that he had done. Until then my husband had wondered how all that could have happened. Cont below

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listy avatar
GenericPanda09
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never really understood the logic of those punishments that involved consuming whatever it was you stole.... I mean, that's pretty much what I'd have been wanting to do with it anyway. Stole chocolate? oh.. as a punishment you have to eat it all without sharing. boo hoo. Stole a pack of smokes? here... smoke them all. As though you weren't going to anyway....... not once have I seen the same logic applied to anyone that has stole money though... no one seems to say to those guys 'well as punishment for stealing £20 out of my purse, i wanna see you spend it all in one go.. cause that'll teach you'.

listy avatar
GenericPanda09
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'No, it's no use crying....now log onto amazon and spend it all at once.' 'well I don't know.. sunglasses maybe, no not those ones... maybe these ones in grey... see what's on special offers too.... but you stole it, you spend it'.

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delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How could you date this woman this long and not have any idea how awful, immature, and hurtful she would be? Ugh. Divorce.

summermason avatar
Summer Mason
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step mom and just flat out mother....nope. nope. Yes you should have some say in the kiddos especially when living under the roof you help pay for. But being an abusive ass hat is not the way to go. Everything I do gets ran by dad. Everything he does gets ran by me. That's the way to raise children.

tierna77 avatar
advice5cents
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"She's gotta go," is the hottest thing I've heard in a while.

bloodywilliamsgirlfriend avatar
Nunya Bus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I agree in general a step-parent should have some say if only to keep the united front of adults raising children. BUT, whatever happened to "go to room and stay there until your father comes home and we'll discuss it with him then." That way you have the right to "punish" misbehavior (sending child to their room) and you avoid overstepping, and it gives you a chance to get on the same page with the parent. I can't imagine you would know in every scenario what your spouse and their ex would want to do. I think that would just be the most general and basic way to deal with something until you could talk to your spouse. And her "punishments" were extra cruel. Child drew on their desk? Take away all drawing implements until they can demonstrate they will use them responsibly. Not permanently and you certainly don't rip up their things. That's retaliation and its abusive.

purplezebra avatar
SillyPandaBunny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think any parent who thinks of allowing anyone into the family as a prospective step parent should first join as many step parent support groups as they can find on FB. Then they will realize how toxic some step parents can be. Ranges from unfair punishment techniques to outright trying to get rid of the children. It’s a short time, just wait until the kids are older to remarry

misscellania avatar
Miss Cellania
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you're the stepparent, you really have to discuss discipline with the parent before going behind his/her back. This story is completely unacceptable. That said, this reminded me of the time my kid shoplifted candy. I made her take it back to the store clerk, she was about six then and crying. I had hoped the clerk would go along with me in teaching her that was wrong, however gently. But the clerk was young and said, "That's all right, sweetie..." and had a hard time keeping a straight face.

joop avatar
joop
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son stole a euro from school. You may not steal!! Bring it back! No I like it! It was a plastic euro. You could buy a whole load for 60 cent.

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shermanvongee avatar
Sherman Von Gee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watch enough true crime to know that this will only escalate... step mothers like her do not Change and they do not view those kids as their own and therefore there is this a disconnect between her and those kids. Usually there's some underlying resentment and jealousy towards the children and towards the ex.. her obsession with being an "equal partner" in the parenting all of the sudden after getting married makes me think that this is definitely the case. She doesn't understand why your ex gets to be apart of your relationship with those kids when she's not in the home. So she like... overcompensates to gain that control she feels that's she's lacking in the relationship. These things never turn out well. Get rid of this woman before she actually hurts these kids more than she already has.

mike_loux avatar
Mike Loux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, he came to the right decision (divorce) eventually, but I would have lawyered up as soon as she pulled that "silent treatment" s**t. She's supposed to be an adult, not a 12-year-old, FFS.

craigreynolds_1 avatar
Reyn-Guo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Getting married to someone with kids does not suddenly grant you parenting rights. Your status with those kids remains as it was prior to marriage. She was okay until the marriage so clearly, she planned on changing her role and never discussed it with him. If she had, they likely would never have married. I don't know who needs to hear this but, do not EVER assume that something, anything, is going to change after marriage. Everything you think you know, think you learned, about how a married VS non-married life should be/will be, goes out the window if you and your spouse-to-be have not discussed it. She is definitely the AH for assuming, but he also shares some fault for assuming nothing would change instead of telling her there will be no parenting changes after they get married.

susiekamper avatar
Susie Kamper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t agree with the punishment at all. But telling your wife she has no saying in raising your kids is not ok either. I’m sure you expect her to love them and feed them etc. Hope she leaves you.

kathleengraceart avatar
Lily
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst part is that this wasn’t the first time she’s mistreated the kids. She hid this behavior pretty well. She’s an abuser. She hoodwinked dad, deceived him completely, and the children suffered. Could even consider filing a police report.

erin6051 avatar
Animalsrgreat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Child abuse! My heart breaks for those kids and how terrifying those punishments are.

fayebee avatar
kristalcookies
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Umm I think prosecution for some of those punishments might be an option. Force feeding a child? Submerging parts of them in ice water or making them stand for long hours outside? That's abuse.

kahhe01 avatar
Heather kahler
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So relieved thes father stepped up for the s**t abusive cruel treatment of his kids. No one should stay married to someone who doesn’t accept and love their kids from the previous marriage. I’m so relieved by this mans acrions and standing up for his kids. So many parents just don’t see or give a crap cuz they are worried about their “”new relationship” Snd leave their kids to fend for themselves and be third wheels. to any potential step parents out there. If you can’t love your divorced partners kids like your own with your whole heart then leave and go find your selfish ass a child free partner. Kids of divorce suffer enough and step parents are often not Interested in truly being parents to kids born from the prior relationship. At best they tolerate them, or tolerate them with passive aggressive digs and make them feel like a guest (my experience as a step kid). But this nasty woman was outright abusive and sneaky about it. Kick her to the curb & let her rot in melted chocolate

kristiwoz avatar
Kristi Wozniak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have had her punished for her actions against the children. Seems like the first signs of child abuse. Divorce would be a great option- along with a no-contact order. Who knows what punishment she would give you if you DID divorce her. I'm seriously appalled - So glad you and ex are on the same page. You seem like great parents!

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before the update I was going to say YTA for not discussing this with your new partner and step mom of your children. After the upate, well... it's abuse, so Hello divorce. But seriously, can couples please TALK TO EACH OTHER BEFOREHAND???? None of the basic things: money, chores, raising kids solves itself magically via pure love. It needs to be negotiated.

kimberlybailey avatar
KimB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step parent myself this makes me sick! I would never do this to my kids! I used to come up with ways to punish them that would help them see what they did was wrong and why with no physical damage to them. Example..when they would fight with each other and it got physical I had them sit at the table and write lines "I will not hit my brother/sister" over and over until they were calm and no longer fighting. They are adults now and the best of friends (we get along great as well)...they both have excellent penmanship too lol!

faithhurst-bilinski avatar
Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you not have these conversations? My kids were my domain. All MAJOR decisions about them were mine. My new husband knew that. However, he was always encouraged to have a say with me if there were problems. He knew that he was joining a family already in progress. I knew there was no way to bring a new person in without some inconsistencies. I guess what I'm saying is, there were adults involved.

si-michelson avatar
Si
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your children are thieves, you’re methods aren’t working

si-michelson avatar
Si
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You expect this woman to live in a home with two children and have no say in their behaviour. YYATAH.

edward_bennett avatar
shinshige
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, the new wife is totally the AH, and she’s needs to step WAAAAY back. But, really, why do these kids keep stealing things? What ELSE is going on in these houses?

imforever29 avatar
HeatherJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well at first i was going to say you are the AH but after further explanation on her treatment she is abusive and needs to go or at least get counseling as it seems she was abused as a child.

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The FIRST order of business of people who couple and who have children from previous relationships is how they will each relate to these children. The children have NOTHING to do with the bad choices of their parents. Their lives are the FIRST priority.

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can it have taken 7 years to find out how abusive she is?

erickblood avatar
Erick Blood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay. She’s wrong for her method but everyone’s an a-hole here. She doesn’t get any say in the kids discipline? She’s your wife and partner. I’d be worried that since everything is so rosy with your ex that she’ll be soon ditched when you go back to your ex.

katejones_1 avatar
Kate Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always play devil's advocate. It's not like the wife is new and the children have been brought into an unknown situation. She's been in the 9 year old's life for almost his whole life. This is her house and while they are not her children she does have some say on how they behave, at least in her house. I don't however agree with causing any harm to a child in any way. I understand older generation has these types of punishments but it's really not appropriate now, especially seeing as how she could have seriously harmed the child by force feeding her. In a case where it was something that happened outside of the home, and didn't really have anything to do with disrespecting her or her home, she really should have allowed the husband to decide with his ex. Now... if the kids had scratched up her car, or done something personally to her I think a step parent has every right to discipline them.(1)

katejones_1 avatar
Kate Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(2) The fact that she's been with this man for 7 years and they've never discussed co-parenting with her in his life is just as much his fault as hers. I would expect my ex-husband to prepare anyone living with my children to understand how we would want them disciplined... fed, hairstyled, curfew, etc. These things should be understood and followed if the parents have a preference and step-mom should not be involved in those decisions. But house rules and rules can absolutely be whatever step-mom wants. That's not what happened here and in this case, the punishment was really not her place.

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tahadata avatar
Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get what she tried to accomplish with her methods.

fosseerestorations avatar
FosseeRestorations
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to go over this story a few times. This is a mirror of what I have dealt with over the last 8 years. From start to finish I honestly thought this was my ex-husband. We only have one daughter and only other difference is, as the mom in this and not having such extreme punishments dealt to my daughter . I carefully explained the future would end with one of us in jail. Momma don't play. Sorry so crude but I would have gone to jail showing the stepmom how a proper punishment should be like.

parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like if her methods weren't abusive, she *should* have a say. There's 3 of you parenting now, not two. Why would you marry her if you didn't want her helping you to raise your kids? But like, the three of you sit down as adults and talk it out. Probably you come out of it with the same methods as before, but she'd feel a part of it and hey, maybe you'd all make a few changes based on her ideas. Of course, abuse must remain a hard boundary - but it still seems off that you didn't tell her THAT, you told her she has no say whatsoever.

charlesbarrow avatar
Charles Barrow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do realise that two of the "punishments" she did to the son are actual torture techniques, right? As in if you did them on prisoners of war you would be guilty of war crimes bad.

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cookie avatar
Cookie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YTA - if you want your children raised your way, hire a nanny. Her way may not be the best way, but that's all she knows. The issue is not whether it's her way or your way, but that she is a co-parent and instead of discussing and agreeing on something together, you give her orders from you and your ex-wife like she is a nanny. Hope she dumps you quick.

cecilyholland167 avatar
Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The discipline methods are consistent, not abusive and they work. Most step mothers would be onboard and happy that these sort of methods were already in place. Nope. Not this one

zedrapazia avatar
Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her "methods" will probably cause trauma in those poor kids, which aren't even hers to begin with and she wouldn't even discuss her methods with her partner before applying them on his kids. I hope you will never have children in your life, and if you do, they'll hopefully never visit you again once they've moved out.

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kayrose avatar
RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago

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How much chocolate was it? I'm going to imagine it was a lot, but she's putting that child in danger, forcing her to eat it like that. Not only has it made her feel ill anyway, but it's a risk for diabetes, surely!?

eeveestar682 avatar
Peppy Piplup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her solution for stealing chocolate is to make it impossible for the shop to get their product back at all?

jamessmith_23 avatar
James Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The new wife's punishments are plain wrong. The kids are learning "my stepmom will physically hurt me" and nothing else. I'm just wondering how they got so far in the relationship without a conversation about discipline philosophies. She could have adjusted if those expectations were clear, and then it would have been obvious whether he wanted her to be around his kids for 7 years or not. The dad is partly at fault, imo.

viviane_katz avatar
-
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that the stepmother refuses to change makes his upcoming divorce right. In my late teens, I had some wrong-headed ideas about raising children, which I discussed with a boyfriend. I'm grateful that my boyfriend confronted me about it. He simply looked shocked and said, "My parents never treated me that way." He turned out fine, so that was the start of my questioning my mother's propaganda.

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abdk333 avatar
K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a step mother that abused me for three years when I lived w my dad. I only told my mom bc my dad would've blown me off and my dads parents told me I was over reacting. I wasn't she was physically and mentally abusive. My dad finally listened to me when they divorced bc he saw her in action w his son. She abused their son my half brother too. He didn't turn out so well bc of it. Thank god I had my mom if I didn't I would've ended up like my brother.

teresacline avatar
Cold Contagious
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I''m so sorry. My mother married my step-dad when I was 2.5 and my brother was several months old. It was fine until my step sister was born 3 years later. He was so abusive. I've experienced the made to eat until sick, not stolen or anything, but food they put on my plate that I didn't want. Whipped with switches and have weeping wounds on mine and my brothers legs and arms from not moving fast enough to do as told below the age of 10, slung by arms and legs, smacked, hit with belts and the buckles would get in the way. Sexual innuendo in my case, a hole drilled in my wall, so many other things. I told my dad and stepmother once when I was in 2nd grade but I was called a liar and they told them that I was angry about a punishment and I wasn't believed. I just never told again. My mother was angry with my step-dad once and told my husband about several things that he had done. Until then my husband had wondered how all that could have happened. Cont below

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listy avatar
GenericPanda09
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never really understood the logic of those punishments that involved consuming whatever it was you stole.... I mean, that's pretty much what I'd have been wanting to do with it anyway. Stole chocolate? oh.. as a punishment you have to eat it all without sharing. boo hoo. Stole a pack of smokes? here... smoke them all. As though you weren't going to anyway....... not once have I seen the same logic applied to anyone that has stole money though... no one seems to say to those guys 'well as punishment for stealing £20 out of my purse, i wanna see you spend it all in one go.. cause that'll teach you'.

listy avatar
GenericPanda09
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'No, it's no use crying....now log onto amazon and spend it all at once.' 'well I don't know.. sunglasses maybe, no not those ones... maybe these ones in grey... see what's on special offers too.... but you stole it, you spend it'.

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delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How could you date this woman this long and not have any idea how awful, immature, and hurtful she would be? Ugh. Divorce.

summermason avatar
Summer Mason
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step mom and just flat out mother....nope. nope. Yes you should have some say in the kiddos especially when living under the roof you help pay for. But being an abusive ass hat is not the way to go. Everything I do gets ran by dad. Everything he does gets ran by me. That's the way to raise children.

tierna77 avatar
advice5cents
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"She's gotta go," is the hottest thing I've heard in a while.

bloodywilliamsgirlfriend avatar
Nunya Bus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I agree in general a step-parent should have some say if only to keep the united front of adults raising children. BUT, whatever happened to "go to room and stay there until your father comes home and we'll discuss it with him then." That way you have the right to "punish" misbehavior (sending child to their room) and you avoid overstepping, and it gives you a chance to get on the same page with the parent. I can't imagine you would know in every scenario what your spouse and their ex would want to do. I think that would just be the most general and basic way to deal with something until you could talk to your spouse. And her "punishments" were extra cruel. Child drew on their desk? Take away all drawing implements until they can demonstrate they will use them responsibly. Not permanently and you certainly don't rip up their things. That's retaliation and its abusive.

purplezebra avatar
SillyPandaBunny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think any parent who thinks of allowing anyone into the family as a prospective step parent should first join as many step parent support groups as they can find on FB. Then they will realize how toxic some step parents can be. Ranges from unfair punishment techniques to outright trying to get rid of the children. It’s a short time, just wait until the kids are older to remarry

misscellania avatar
Miss Cellania
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you're the stepparent, you really have to discuss discipline with the parent before going behind his/her back. This story is completely unacceptable. That said, this reminded me of the time my kid shoplifted candy. I made her take it back to the store clerk, she was about six then and crying. I had hoped the clerk would go along with me in teaching her that was wrong, however gently. But the clerk was young and said, "That's all right, sweetie..." and had a hard time keeping a straight face.

joop avatar
joop
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son stole a euro from school. You may not steal!! Bring it back! No I like it! It was a plastic euro. You could buy a whole load for 60 cent.

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Sherman Von Gee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watch enough true crime to know that this will only escalate... step mothers like her do not Change and they do not view those kids as their own and therefore there is this a disconnect between her and those kids. Usually there's some underlying resentment and jealousy towards the children and towards the ex.. her obsession with being an "equal partner" in the parenting all of the sudden after getting married makes me think that this is definitely the case. She doesn't understand why your ex gets to be apart of your relationship with those kids when she's not in the home. So she like... overcompensates to gain that control she feels that's she's lacking in the relationship. These things never turn out well. Get rid of this woman before she actually hurts these kids more than she already has.

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Mike Loux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, he came to the right decision (divorce) eventually, but I would have lawyered up as soon as she pulled that "silent treatment" s**t. She's supposed to be an adult, not a 12-year-old, FFS.

craigreynolds_1 avatar
Reyn-Guo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Getting married to someone with kids does not suddenly grant you parenting rights. Your status with those kids remains as it was prior to marriage. She was okay until the marriage so clearly, she planned on changing her role and never discussed it with him. If she had, they likely would never have married. I don't know who needs to hear this but, do not EVER assume that something, anything, is going to change after marriage. Everything you think you know, think you learned, about how a married VS non-married life should be/will be, goes out the window if you and your spouse-to-be have not discussed it. She is definitely the AH for assuming, but he also shares some fault for assuming nothing would change instead of telling her there will be no parenting changes after they get married.

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Susie Kamper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t agree with the punishment at all. But telling your wife she has no saying in raising your kids is not ok either. I’m sure you expect her to love them and feed them etc. Hope she leaves you.

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Lily
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst part is that this wasn’t the first time she’s mistreated the kids. She hid this behavior pretty well. She’s an abuser. She hoodwinked dad, deceived him completely, and the children suffered. Could even consider filing a police report.

erin6051 avatar
Animalsrgreat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Child abuse! My heart breaks for those kids and how terrifying those punishments are.

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kristalcookies
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Umm I think prosecution for some of those punishments might be an option. Force feeding a child? Submerging parts of them in ice water or making them stand for long hours outside? That's abuse.

kahhe01 avatar
Heather kahler
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So relieved thes father stepped up for the s**t abusive cruel treatment of his kids. No one should stay married to someone who doesn’t accept and love their kids from the previous marriage. I’m so relieved by this mans acrions and standing up for his kids. So many parents just don’t see or give a crap cuz they are worried about their “”new relationship” Snd leave their kids to fend for themselves and be third wheels. to any potential step parents out there. If you can’t love your divorced partners kids like your own with your whole heart then leave and go find your selfish ass a child free partner. Kids of divorce suffer enough and step parents are often not Interested in truly being parents to kids born from the prior relationship. At best they tolerate them, or tolerate them with passive aggressive digs and make them feel like a guest (my experience as a step kid). But this nasty woman was outright abusive and sneaky about it. Kick her to the curb & let her rot in melted chocolate

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Kristi Wozniak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have had her punished for her actions against the children. Seems like the first signs of child abuse. Divorce would be a great option- along with a no-contact order. Who knows what punishment she would give you if you DID divorce her. I'm seriously appalled - So glad you and ex are on the same page. You seem like great parents!

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Katinka Min
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before the update I was going to say YTA for not discussing this with your new partner and step mom of your children. After the upate, well... it's abuse, so Hello divorce. But seriously, can couples please TALK TO EACH OTHER BEFOREHAND???? None of the basic things: money, chores, raising kids solves itself magically via pure love. It needs to be negotiated.

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KimB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step parent myself this makes me sick! I would never do this to my kids! I used to come up with ways to punish them that would help them see what they did was wrong and why with no physical damage to them. Example..when they would fight with each other and it got physical I had them sit at the table and write lines "I will not hit my brother/sister" over and over until they were calm and no longer fighting. They are adults now and the best of friends (we get along great as well)...they both have excellent penmanship too lol!

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Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you not have these conversations? My kids were my domain. All MAJOR decisions about them were mine. My new husband knew that. However, he was always encouraged to have a say with me if there were problems. He knew that he was joining a family already in progress. I knew there was no way to bring a new person in without some inconsistencies. I guess what I'm saying is, there were adults involved.

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Si
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your children are thieves, you’re methods aren’t working

si-michelson avatar
Si
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You expect this woman to live in a home with two children and have no say in their behaviour. YYATAH.

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shinshige
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, the new wife is totally the AH, and she’s needs to step WAAAAY back. But, really, why do these kids keep stealing things? What ELSE is going on in these houses?

imforever29 avatar
HeatherJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well at first i was going to say you are the AH but after further explanation on her treatment she is abusive and needs to go or at least get counseling as it seems she was abused as a child.

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phil blanque
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The FIRST order of business of people who couple and who have children from previous relationships is how they will each relate to these children. The children have NOTHING to do with the bad choices of their parents. Their lives are the FIRST priority.

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Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can it have taken 7 years to find out how abusive she is?

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Erick Blood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay. She’s wrong for her method but everyone’s an a-hole here. She doesn’t get any say in the kids discipline? She’s your wife and partner. I’d be worried that since everything is so rosy with your ex that she’ll be soon ditched when you go back to your ex.

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Kate Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always play devil's advocate. It's not like the wife is new and the children have been brought into an unknown situation. She's been in the 9 year old's life for almost his whole life. This is her house and while they are not her children she does have some say on how they behave, at least in her house. I don't however agree with causing any harm to a child in any way. I understand older generation has these types of punishments but it's really not appropriate now, especially seeing as how she could have seriously harmed the child by force feeding her. In a case where it was something that happened outside of the home, and didn't really have anything to do with disrespecting her or her home, she really should have allowed the husband to decide with his ex. Now... if the kids had scratched up her car, or done something personally to her I think a step parent has every right to discipline them.(1)

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Kate Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(2) The fact that she's been with this man for 7 years and they've never discussed co-parenting with her in his life is just as much his fault as hers. I would expect my ex-husband to prepare anyone living with my children to understand how we would want them disciplined... fed, hairstyled, curfew, etc. These things should be understood and followed if the parents have a preference and step-mom should not be involved in those decisions. But house rules and rules can absolutely be whatever step-mom wants. That's not what happened here and in this case, the punishment was really not her place.

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Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get what she tried to accomplish with her methods.

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FosseeRestorations
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to go over this story a few times. This is a mirror of what I have dealt with over the last 8 years. From start to finish I honestly thought this was my ex-husband. We only have one daughter and only other difference is, as the mom in this and not having such extreme punishments dealt to my daughter . I carefully explained the future would end with one of us in jail. Momma don't play. Sorry so crude but I would have gone to jail showing the stepmom how a proper punishment should be like.

parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like if her methods weren't abusive, she *should* have a say. There's 3 of you parenting now, not two. Why would you marry her if you didn't want her helping you to raise your kids? But like, the three of you sit down as adults and talk it out. Probably you come out of it with the same methods as before, but she'd feel a part of it and hey, maybe you'd all make a few changes based on her ideas. Of course, abuse must remain a hard boundary - but it still seems off that you didn't tell her THAT, you told her she has no say whatsoever.

charlesbarrow avatar
Charles Barrow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do realise that two of the "punishments" she did to the son are actual torture techniques, right? As in if you did them on prisoners of war you would be guilty of war crimes bad.

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cookie avatar
Cookie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YTA - if you want your children raised your way, hire a nanny. Her way may not be the best way, but that's all she knows. The issue is not whether it's her way or your way, but that she is a co-parent and instead of discussing and agreeing on something together, you give her orders from you and your ex-wife like she is a nanny. Hope she dumps you quick.

cecilyholland167 avatar
Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago

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The discipline methods are consistent, not abusive and they work. Most step mothers would be onboard and happy that these sort of methods were already in place. Nope. Not this one

zedrapazia avatar
Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her "methods" will probably cause trauma in those poor kids, which aren't even hers to begin with and she wouldn't even discuss her methods with her partner before applying them on his kids. I hope you will never have children in your life, and if you do, they'll hopefully never visit you again once they've moved out.

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RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago

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How much chocolate was it? I'm going to imagine it was a lot, but she's putting that child in danger, forcing her to eat it like that. Not only has it made her feel ill anyway, but it's a risk for diabetes, surely!?

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