anybody got kids, past or present i got questions

Ok gang

Any of you got kids past or present i got a question for you. First an overview. I have 2 hyperactive step daughters one is 7 the other is about to turn 6. My wife and i have just had a heated discussion about the fact that they dont listen when you tell them to do something. Most of the time its 2 or 3 times, and usually ends up with her or i having to finally yell at them to get them to do it. They are asked nicely, then it ramps up to yelling to get them to do whats asked of them. This isnt all the time , but quite often than not.

I have no experience with young kids except these children, and a newborn of 8 months that i am learning about every day. My wife says she talks to lots of people with kids their age and says all kids act this way and dont do what they are told the first time around. I dont temember too much at that age when i was a kid i am now 44, so my memories of that are a bit fuzzy, but i think my brothers and i minded pretty well, with the occasional *** swatting when we got out of line.

So what are your experiences with your kids, did they do what they were told when they were told to do it at this age, or did you have to tell them over and over. Is this normal. If it is, this is or isnt will go a long way to not having any more arguments on this matter.

Thanks
Matt