Replies to '03/23 Nasty Custody Battles'

Quote From: hlavery

Being a stepmom has been one of the most challenging things in my life.  I have a friend that is also a stepmom and I don't know sometimes what I would have done without her.  When things get really crazy and stressful, it helps to have someone to talk to that is going through it.  People that have never been a stepparent, don't understand.  My husband has a 13 year old daughter that lives with her mother and new stepdad just 30 miles away.  Things have been better since she moved to the next town, but we still have issues frequently.  My husband's ex is very manipulating with people and uses her daughter in the mix.  She is a big party goer and one of our biggest fears is that my stepdaughter is going to be wild and manipulative, too.  She is already showing signs of sneaking behavior.  We try to get along with the ex, but some people are just not logical.  She spends her time trying to cause conflict.  She likes turmoil.  I know that there are a lot of fathers who don't show responsibility for their children, but my husband is a very good father and wants what is best for his daughter.  We have tried to gain custody, but back away to save hurting his daughter more.  She is not supervised and doesn't get the attention she needs.  She is at a critical age, and we worry a lot.  So far, the best thing we know to do is just try our best to get along with the ex, not communicate anymore than we have to, and enjoy every minute with my stepdaughter we can.  We have to be the parents in her life and it is very difficult when we only see her part of the time.  If I could win the lottery, I would fight for responsble dads to have more rights.  The law is definitely not on their side.