controling 5 step children to control kaos

I have 5 new step children ages 6,9,12,14,18. added to my 8 yr old it is complete kaos when they are here. I need some advice on how to control such a bunch and make life more pleasent for all, ie. chores where everyone helps, dishes, bedtimes and computer usage. they have little or no disipline at home so I need to know how to enforce it here when they are with us for weekends vacations etc. I am going out of my mind and my 8 yr old is seeing behavior that has been unacceptable for him in the past. Please help as I really want this to work out. The father is willing to try anything with me, because he is disturbed by the kaos too, but thinks trying to control so many is impossible. any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Ms. Isham,

You have your hands full. I won't pretend, within the scope of this forum, to give you a how-to in response to your question. What I suggest is that you and your husband consult with a child behavioral health specialist (most health insurance arrangements provide for such consultations) who can help you devise a systematic plan for behavior management.

[S Adamou]

I have two children,  one son off 6 years and One daughter off 2 year, I am a working mum, and I am separted, from my Husband, I love them very much and would do anything for them, but sometimes I am so tired, and dont have time to sit and listen to my son, and I feel I need to listen more to what he says, and I feel that I am shouting all the time,  please what can I do, to be more understanding, we go out alot the weekends are there,s but still my son wants more and more,  and I doing something wrong,