sually got. Dad always felt that he needed to “make things even” if that tells you anything.Middle Brother: In most cases the same, but there was times when we were definitely her stepchildren and not her own.Q: Studies say that children in stepfamilies receive less encouragement and less help with schoolwork, did you ever experience this? Oldest Brother: I believe so. Dad never really showed a lot of enthusiasm about grades. If they were bad he’d just sign the report card and tell me to do better next time. I do remember one time when he “helped” me build a submarine. Coolest thing too, made it out of a coffee can and two tomato paste cans it really worked.Middle Brother: No, I remember getting plenty of help from my dad, simply because I asked him more times, but he encouraged me to do things for myself too.Q: What was the relationship like between you and your stepsiblings compared to your biological siblings? Do you think the house laws were governed equally between siblings? Oldest Brother: No, I don’t think house laws were quite fair. For example, My sister got to drive a brand new car at 15, my step mom's car and I drove my dad’s beat-up ’69 bug. Yes, very materialistic, but I 16 yrs. old then.Middle Brother: I think dad tried to keep it equal, but I feel my step siblings got an easier time with discipline from my stepmother.Q: How close are you to your stepsiblings today compared to when you were growing up? Oldest Brother: I only see my stepsister at family gatherings and my stepbrother when I visit my dad. I only see him then because he still lives there. Middle Brother: Again, as age and wisdom increase I feel we are closer.Q: Do you feel you had or have any type behavioral or emotional problem that has resulted from being in a stepfamily?Oldest Brother: Well, I find it very hard to trust people.Middle Brother: Yes, as I explained earlier (short attention span), but still ...
