Results 1 to 7 of 7

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    2

    Default Really Bad Behavior Issues

    My question involves juvenile law in the State of: ohio. I'm a step dad of 16 year old who has many behavior issues, from sneaking out at night, being out past curfew and just not listening, no matter how many times he is grounded he continually disobeys over and over again. Here recently his mom had to go out of town due to a family emergency so I was stuck in charge trying to keep him in line, which he listened to me even less being just the step dad who has only been in the picture for two years now, which now the wife is mad at me now cause she thought I could do more to keep him in check while she was gone. My question is being that I'm married to his mom, if she is ever out of town again, and he continuely disregards my authority could I press unruly charges on him if his mother is out of town? If not is there anything that could be done to keep him in line?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Officially across the country from where I've been all my life
    Posts
    4,494

    Default Re: Really Bad Behavior Issues

    Where is this child's FATHER?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Inland Empire
    Posts
    1,410

    Default Re: Really Bad Behavior Issues

    Quote Quoting era2167
    View Post
    My question involves juvenile law in the State of: ohio. I'm a step dad of 16 year old who has many behavior issues, from sneaking out at night, being out past curfew and just not listening, no matter how many times he is grounded he continually disobeys over and over again. Here recently his mom had to go out of town due to a family emergency so I was stuck in charge trying to keep him in line, which he listened to me even less being just the step dad who has only been in the picture for two years now, which now the wife is mad at me now cause she thought I could do more to keep him in check while she was gone. My question is being that I'm married to his mom, if she is ever out of town again, and he continuely disregards my authority could I press unruly charges on him if his mother is out of town? If not is there anything that could be done to keep him in line?
    You need to tell your wife that if she has to leave town that she has to take her son with her. It is her duty to control her son, not yours.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Really Bad Behavior Issues

    I think a lot of people have a misunderstanding of how stepparenting works, and I think part of the problem here is that your spouse believes that her marriage to you would somehow create an authority figure in her child's life that would reduce his behavioral issues. Although we have very little background, my off-the-cuff impression is that your stepson viewed a week alone with you as a challenge. 'Mom thinks stepdad can keep me in line for a week? We'll see about that." Also, whether or not its his intention, if your stepson's behavior creates marital discord that can be rewarding to him in a number of ways, including distracting people from his conduct (your wife is mad at you, but it's your stepson who misbehaved) and perhaps restoring the dynamic of a two-person household. Also, when a parent expects a stepparent to take a primary role for discipline, it's a formula for resentment.

    I think you and your wife, or if she's not willing you on your own, should consider consulting a good family therapist to learn some strategies for the next two years. You can discuss with the counselor whether you should try to drag your stepson in - but I'm not suggesting counseling in the sense of "how do we get to the bottom of the problem" or "How can I get this surly teen to open up," but more from an educational standpoint - learning actual strategies that might help, practicing them, reporting back with the progress (or lack thereof) and getting new ideas or refinements. Not all therapists can provide that kind of support - I suggest asking around and seeking referrals. If that's not a realistic option due to cost/insurance, perhaps your stepson's guidance counselor at his high school can provide some suggestions.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Grounds for Eviction: Evicting a Subtenant Over Behavior Issues
    By A.Bits in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-08-2012, 05:25 PM
  2. Story of Cop Behavior
    By davidmcbeth3 in forum Banter
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-01-2012, 11:27 PM
  3. Modification of Custody: Can You Relinquish All Rights to the Other Parent Due to a Child's Behavior Issues
    By legalhelp6 in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-04-2011, 12:09 AM
  4. Roommates: Getting Out of a Sublease Due to Roommate's Behavior
    By WL2010 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-25-2011, 08:16 AM
  5. Eviction Process: Evicted for Disruptive Behavior
    By JRM in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-20-2010, 05:28 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources