Cliff, I don't know if you are still monitoring this thread or not. I wasn't going to post at first but felt compelled now. First, don't get riled over someone's comment when they don't know you, who you are and what you are. A father disciplines his son OUT OF LOVE. If you didn't care about these boys, who are now your sons, you wouldn't be transparent and ask for advice from others. I see children every day in what I do who have maybe one parent and or both who don't give a rip about their children, training their children, clothing their children, feeding their children, teaching their children values and in fact damage their children by physical and mental neglect. That man or woman, I have NO respect for. Talk to him alone. Give him the assurance he is loved by you, your wonderful wife, his brother and any grandparents involved. Let him know you are there for him, even when he behaves in a way that disappoints you. I'm no Dr. Phil but I would guess the fact he has " new parents " is catching up to him. Even a 7 and 9 year old can ask questions as to why they live with someone else. You are what these boys need, that's why you have them. Don't let a naysayer bring question as to your commitment and love for the kids. You CAN administer corporal discipline to a child and have them crawl into to your lap and hug on you after, because they will know you do what you do out of love and not malice. You'll be fine.
