Do you care for your step children alone?

[AmigoShamigo]

Dp and I have two children aged 6 years and 20 months. His other children are 6 and 7. Because of dps work pattern he can only have them one weekend per month with extra in school holidays. I'm thinking of suggesting that at the next court hearing he asks for the common pattern of every other weekend contact and I care for the children while he's working. He'd see them for a couple of hours in the evening.

I love my step children and all of the children get on really well. My dsc are really happy with us and we're all sad when they have to leave. Does anyone else have the arrangement of looking after the dsc alone while their dp works? Has it worked out?

[AmigoShamigo]

When they were younger and couldn't tell anyone she was happy for me to look after them loads. As they've got older she's reduced contact as she worries they're happier here but then she doesn't actually spend the time with them herself. It isn't amicable and she wouldn't speak to me so I could reassure her. Dp doesn't get first refusal before she sends the kids to herpparents for up to a week at a time; he doesn't even get told unless by the kids. It seems very unfair.

[mymiraclebubba]

My dp and I were in same boat due to his shifts so I did exactly what you are suggesting and I care for the kids when he is working and it works brilliantly! Their mum doesn't like it as I have strict rules and they are expected to do chores here (they are 10 & 8) which she disapproves of but our house our rules frankly!

You need to do what's best for all the kids, it's not easy at times but I wouldn't have it any other way! Make sure his maintenance payments reflect the change though!