Hello I hope you all are well this morning  

I was writing because I am in a wonderful relationship with a very loving boyfriend that has 2 adorable boy.

The boys  (4 and & 7) have been abandoned by their mother (who is using meth)

Long story short we are going through the process of getting granted full custody, because it is in their best interest.

I do not have kids of my own but I love theses two as though they were mine. If you can send some encouragement please do.  This is new to me and I need the strength to be a good parent and role model for them....

I think I am getting the hang of it, but sometimes I still don't know how to react to certain things they say or do lol

Very brave & wonderfully humanitarian action.YOU are very young to take such vital decisions.There is diversity in the interests of occult topics in you.A bit of non called for advice ,concentrate on Meditation.Good luck!

God bless you and your new little family.

sweetie here is a huge hug...much love and huggies

Wow!!! My sincere respect and admiration to you!! You will make a world of a difference in this kids' lives

Ok, since I was a kid not too long ago, and am working out bitter things with my parents, I'll give you some very practical advice (you probably know many of these things already)

-When kids do something wrong, specially when they know its wrong, dont ask over and over "but why did you do that? why?" its humiliating and cruel. They are kids, not adults, maybe a "you know this is wrong, dont do it again, and these are the consequences" is better.

-Don't tell them they are fat, ugly, stupid... Kids are malleable, whatever you tell them will become true.

-Notice the good things as well as the bad things, it is so easy to just see whatever they do wrong.

-Try and be natural about the mom situation, talk to your partner and see how you are gonna handle it, but pretending she never existed might not be a good idea.

-Be a team with your partner. Your rules should always be the same.

-Clear rules and routine work wonders with kids, specially if they've had a rocky upbringing. There should be a play time, a shower time, a dinner time, a bed time. And a clear consequence for acts (3 minutes in the carpet for swearing, hitting, etc...)

You sound like a very loving, giving person, I'm sure you will be a great parent to these children! Wanting to be there for them is already half the job done

Congratulations on your brave decision!!! And a big hug!