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"Shake and bake family" Thats what my loving brothers terminology is for my new family. I'm 26 years of age and have no biological children of my own but for the past 2 years I have enjoyed the pleasure and company of my partners four children. Now, my parents always told me that parenting was never an easy task and until now i never saw what the big deal is. I have four boys, a 41 year old who is driving me up the wall with his adolescent behavior and three other kids under the age of 7. I myself was a step child and i hated my stepfather and to this day we still do not speak. I try to be there for the kids as much as possible which is something my stepfather never did for me. The best advice I can give to anyone reading this is Don't forget what it is like to be a child, they play up and push boundaries but lets face it thats what kids do. Don't get angry and scream at them for that will only turn them against you and as time passes you will hear the dreaded words "Your not my father/mother" rather sit them down and try to explain to them what they have done wrong in a calm manner. I have found that the attitude in my kids have changed dramatically since i have been around and I would say it is because of my calm approach. The three little ones have chosen to introduce me as their "New Dad" to their friends nd teachers. As for my 14 year old he happily calls me his stepfather even though his mother and I are not married. So in concluding my advice be nice and remember they are not someone else's, they are yours. Enjoy their company and life.

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