Dearest Ash,
My kids are so rotten.  They’re totally hyper and like to break whatever rules I give.  Here’s an example:  I told them to pick up their rooms, and instead of picking it up, they go in there and play with their stuff.  They’re in first and third grade. I yell, and I threaten to [...]

Dearest Ash,

My kids are great in the morning for me, but when they get to school they act like little crazies. They run around like banshees, are louder than the other kids, and won’t sit still. By the time lunch comes around, they are throwing tantrums and the teachers are exhausted. Right after lunch, they’re angels again, but within a few hours, they are doing a repeat of the morning’s behavior. When I pick them up from school, they’re cranky and tearful. By dinner time, they’re my little angels again. What gives?

Dearest Ash:

My husband and his three kids and I live together in a small home. His kids are disrespectful to me, and they often will do exactly the opposite of what I ask them to do. When I try to enforce a rule, they either ignore me or argue with me. I’ve tried being patient, and I’ve tried being nice. The kids do alright with their own parents, yet seem to have no respect for me. What do I do?