Replies to 'Step-Parenting'

 
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October 17, 2005, 12:31 pm PDT

Step-Parenting

Quote From: jcushing

I have been with my husband for almost 8 years now (married 4).  My husband got custody of my stepdaughter (11) 5 years ago.  We get along well but things seem to change when daddy is around.  We have been through alot with her.  We have been to a couple counseling sessions in the past and my husband blames me for not allowing him to have a relationship with her by spending time alone together.  He has never asked until a year ago and since then has never fufilled it.  I take care of her and do more than he does as a parent.  We always argue about her as he thinks im on her 24/7 but he isn't around but part time due to work to see how we really are.  Im at the point now to get the camcorder out so maybe instead he could be THANKFUL for what I do.  We got into it this week and to make a long story short weren't talking and he came home last night to tell me he was going to meet his family and go to Disneyland for the weekend.  Again, taking her while were in a fight.  Is it just me or is this so disrespectful to me?  If he wants to spend time with her it needs to not be when were fighting cause I feel its a slap in my face.  HELP!! Anyone have advice what to think or say?  

First off, I completely understand that the hubby isn't always there or just doesn't notice everything that is going on.  That can be so frustrating. 

  

Secondly, if he didn't take her to Disneyland, which is a big deal to a lot of people, that would not only be a slap in HER face but could hurt her severly. 

  

You are the adult, not the child.  True, she needs to be taught to respect you and to mind what you say, but by not including her into something so big just because you are fighting is childish.  (Not trying to put you down, but being point blank like Dr. Phil, which is why I love watching his show.)  And I know that it would hurt things in your relationship instead of mending them.  Before you go I would recommend you sitting her down and talking to her.  Explain whatever it is that you are fighting over, and why you are upset over it.  Talk to her like a humanbeing and come to terms with it. Punish her in another way, but not by leaving her out. 

  

It is not disrespectful on his part by bringing her along, it would be disrespectful on your part by leaving her behind just because you are fighting. 

  

And he needs to spend as much time with her as possible, REGARDLESS of whether you are fighting or not. The world does not evolve on just your feelings, I know sometimes it feels like people are out to get you. But I promise they are not.  You have to realize that they are just children, regardless of age, up until they are 25 their brains are still not completely functioning like they should.  You are always going to disagree. 

  

How would you have felt if your parents were going to go somewhere and just left you because you had a disagreement?  Or how would you feel if it were your husband to leave you behind because you and his daughter were disagreeing? See what I am trying to say?   

 


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