My teenage stepson told me I am not his real parent when I tried to discipline him and my spouse just stood there saying nothing and I felt completely powerless.
More people experience this than they realize.
Stepparents exist in an impossible liminal space where they bear responsibility for children who can reject their authority by invoking biological hierarchy.
“Where Are You with Punishment consequences and natural boundaries?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.