[This letter has been condensed and edited. BFM.] I'm in a challenging relationship with my girlfriend or hope to- be- future wife. We are separated right now with some conflicting issues and, well, one of the questions is that she doesn't think it's important that her son have household chore, and that it's also ok for him to smoke pot in the house or in the basement.

From: Vic, Alton, IL

Dear Vic,

My first thought was, why aren't you writing to the Love Letters blog? But I think I know the answer: you care about the kids (thank goodness!). You know that a conflictual adult relationship, especially around parenting issues, is not a healthy role model for the kids, especially since it's in addition to whatever role model mom and her previous relationship(s) offered. What's more -- bottom line for you -- this does not sound like a healthy relationship for you. At some point (and maybe you're there already), you won't be able to stand watching them treat their mom badly, which could lead to all sorts of negative outcomes. Unless.....

Can you and this woman agree to go to some parenting workshops or to a parenting consultant?

Even in a step-parent situation, it is never a good idea for the non-biological parent to get involved in discipline, at least not for a long time. If you move into their home as the mom's husband, conflict is likely to increase, not decrease. Because her sons are teens, if you and their mom are not even vaguely on the same page, they will simply ignore and/or berate and abuse you and continue to manipulate mom. What's more, none of this can feel good to them. Despite protestations to the contrary, teens who have too much control and/or freedom in the parent-child relationship tend not to be happy or secure. I know, I know. B-I-G statement. I'll stand by it.

If she's willing to go this route, I would take that as a hopeful sign.