Do you need advice from other parents? Do you have advice to give other parents? We've all read the books, and there are "textbook answers" to most questions. But we also know that in the "real world", those answers sometimes don't work! This is the spot for parents to talk and help each other out.

So here's how it works. If you have a question, submit it to us at submit@familytimecharm.com. We'll post the question. Then if you have some advice or would like to offer up an answer, write us and we'll post the answer for all to see. It's that easy!

Unanswered questions are in the I Need Help! section, while you can find the answers to many questions under We've Got You Covered.

The question...
Dear Family Time Charm,
 
My son's stepmother is trying, key word trying, to make me look bad to my son. She has met me once, in person, since she married [my ex husband] 2 1/2 years ago. She will not let me pick him up at her house. She tells my son she hates me, I'm lazy, I should get a job, and we have no rules at the house. I realize there is nothing I can do about her, but continue to be a loving, consistant and appropriate parent. My son loves me, so I'm not the least threatened by her.  But, my son is paying the price.
 
She has never been married, age 54, and has no children. I've spoken to her not more than 3 times in the 2 1/2 years that they have been married. My son is adamant that I don't attend his graduation, said I would embarrass him, he said his father was not going either.
 
I find out later that dad and step mom are going, he is just afraid SM is going to make a scene and yell at me, what for, I have no idea. 
 
Also, my son doesn't want me to be outside gardening when dad and SM pick him up, because SM is going to yell at me. This is almost comical. I am a very responsible, loving parent. Got my BSW & MSW (social work) after the age of forty, own, and fully paid, house and car, little debt, many good friends, don't smoke or drink.
 
I also just had surgery for breast cancer 7 days ago. Three days before surgery dad calls and tells me I'm a poor role model and our son should probably spend more time with him. All this because my son has had recent problems finishing homework; I'm not talking anything major, no drop in grades, he just doesn't like homework, what 11 year old does?
 
I found 4 pictures in my 11 year old sons sketch book from school. If you could see them, it would break your heart.
 
1. A sinking ship, called the SS Balcom (our last name) with an adult and child on board.
2. A giant shark attacking a little sea creature.
3. A male, animal like creature with a beard yelling "I'm mad at you." (dad yells a lot)
4. A sea like creature with a dunce cap on (that says DUNCE)  with the word "mom" on its tummy.
 
I have a very simple question regarding rights. She has started to sign consent papers for his new private school, where it says mother/guardian. These are enrollment acceptance and agreement forms, and I don't think she should be signing anything that has to do with consent or money.  What do you think?
 
Thank you very much.

What are your thoughts? Email us at submit@familytimecharm.com with your answers.

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And the answers were...
"We have chaos too so we worked on establishing a routine. As time went on, it got much easier. Try eating at the same time, shutting the tv off, put your answering machine on your phone and playing some very mellow music. Oh, and remove all toys from their site. Good luck, it gets better the older they get!"
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