Competing Fathers

In blended families there are always outlying family members. There is the initial blended family, but then what about the family members that got pushed to the side? When previously divorced people get married, or even when previously widowed people get married, there is always going to be an ex spouse or a ex grandparent that still wants involvement in the family life. This can create problems. One problem i would like to address that i think is a problem is competing fathers. 

When mothers remarry they usually get the largest amount of custody with kids. So the children easily like mom better, because they are with her more. So dad has to try to make the short time he has with them more fun and appealing. Also the new stepfather has to try and make kids who have never met him like him. In both of these fathers situations they usually turn into what is known as "Disney Land Dad". This involves excessive gift giving, relaxation of rules, and lack of discipline. 

Parents, even divided ones, should never try and pit children against another parent, or try and fight for affection. parents need to join in in co-parenting. They need to support each others parenting. It may seem hard at first, but it will be worth it when you know that the child is always getting even, and equal parenting from each parent.