Reply #1: Their mother will probably always be the final arbitor [View All]

but in the end it's between you two to understand how discipline.
as an adult you already have the authority to tell them what is right and wrong.
there are very creative ways to control children without punishing them.

One important question, is how much is the father in their lives?
Is it a problem with him undermining (both of) your authority?

Generally I did what my step dad says, but it was up t my mother to decide a punishment for me.
mind you I was a teenager who had been the "man" of the house (and I was glad to step down too) and have always had a problem with authority.

with the ages the kids are, I don't think you'll really have the same problem.

My two cents, having been a step son, is just love them like your own children, not like they are baggage from your new wife.
As long as you see them as your children the rest should follow