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Toxic Troll Spawn

CLove's picture

Thanks everyone for your kind words, and advice.

well, last night after going home, I read SD14's (formerly known as munchkin) texts and Toxic Trolls texts to DH. Basically the same chit that I was texted.

- I called her a liar (I said she misrepresented things to me. Her teacher was in mourning from the death of her mother, but thats not why SD14's work wasnt being graded right away - the work was delinquent and deliquent work is lowest priority)

- I made rude comments. (I am direct. I dont name call and degrade folks, I am direct and said directly that she was being disrespecfult to me.)

- I harassed her all the time. Yep I nagged. "did you do your work, did you do your work". And that is harrassment. I even harrassed her in her room, while DH was in the garage. So covert and evil of me to ask her about her work while shes in her room. 

- I was NEVER supportive, only made rude comments (I zoom meeting with teachers, email teaches and administration to get her into the CPR in person class, I tell teachers she was in class that she was marked absent from and ended up being there 5 minutes beforeend of class, I made lists of assignments missing, I advocated with teachers....but I NEVER supported her and I did NOTHING)

So - in answer to questions from my previous blogs:

- I paid 1/2 for her current phone purchase, DH reimburses me for the service - $75.

- DH will be sticking by the visitation schedule. There will be much in the way of awkward silences, so even if I say nothing in attempts to forstall any additional accusations, I will be "making her feel uncomfortable". This is what I am guessing will happen. We all know how these things go with respect to Toxic Spawn.

I am printing and gathering information and emails etc. To present in the event that there is family court and more drama.

Shes got an F in Biology by the way. Screen capping that. 4 missing assignments. Failing Orchestra.

But its definitely not my problem anymore. It was never my problem. And if SD14 changes her mind (not likely shes stubborn and unapologetic. She will convince herself of a truth and stick to it) I am truly done.

For newbies - this isnt the first time that this has happened, that SD14 has gotten mad at me and gone to her mother who threatens court and tells DH that no one likes me and everyone knows that I have him p-whipped and hes weak. SD14 has a vertible history of doing this, and Ive given her many chances because "she was young and didnt know better".

Well she knows better. Ive told her "I know you will get mad at me, but if you do, we can work it out with open and honest communication". Well she was open for sure. And now brought Toxic Troll and DH into it, like always. And she is always the victim of mean old step mom who harrasses her and is rude to her. Ive told her please tell me if I upset you and we can work it out. Im always here for you! 

Well, this was the last time. No more chances. Genetic Legacy will play out. Ill be on the sidelines watching and enjoying my life. My Dad  (who is my stepdad) tells me "work on yourself first".

I just have no more words.

Comments

tog redux's picture

When my SS was 14 and saying he wanted to live with us, people on here warned me that he wasn't an innocent victim, he was manipulating too.  Boy were they right.  It was easy to put all the blame on BM, but he definitely was part of the problem.

When she comes over, just be polite and pleasant and do your own thing. If she apologizes (she might), say, "thanks" and still be polite and pleasant and do your own thing. 

You tried. That's all you could do.

JRI's picture

These COD often seem to do this back-and-forth, frequently throwing a parent or stepparent under the bus.  When circumstances change, they move back and throw the other one under.  I'm 45 years past it but still remember the hurt I felt when I was the victim after pouring my heart, money, time and energy into "poor SD".  

That's what I think is going on here.  It's easy for me to say this and difficult for you to do, but try not to take it personally.  You've done your best for a girl you love.  It is not a waste.  And, you got something from it, I'm guessing an outlet for maternal feelings.   

I also agree that if BM sees an opportunity for more CS, that's a factor, too.  But, in any case, dear Clove, take deep breaths, step back and realize this is all part of the COD dynamic.  

tog redux's picture

Yes. SS would come to our house and say crap about BM, then go to BM and say crap about DH - the difference was that DH didn't use that info to try to alienate SS.

CLove's picture

about the different accusations  - I dont want to be alone in any part of the house where she is. Her room opens up in front of our room. My room is facing her door.

If shes starting these accusations, I need to protect myself by not being around when she is there.

The more I think about the nature of things, the more I understand that I need to gather all my forces together.

And document everything. And print copies. And protect myself.

ndc's picture

Stick to disengagement. Be polite and kind, but direct SD14 to her father if she needs anything.  I doubt she'll get what she needs there, but that's not your problem.  Don't buy her things; don't go out of your way for her.  She lost that benefit - well, more like she threw it away.  Stay out of her schoolwork - let her sink or swim. You're a kind, giving person; find a worthwhile project or cause to invest your time and heart in.  SD14 isn't it. 

Remember,  this isn't a one time thing,  it's a pattern.  That pattern has been in your blogs for a long time. If she's uncomfortable in your home, it's her fault. 14 is old enough to comprehend cause and effect.  You tied yourself in knots for this kid and she threw you under the bus.  Everyone will blame you, but just ignore them.  Your only crime is to not be dysfunctional like the rest of them.  

ESMOD's picture

I remember being your SD's age and my mother talked to me about "punishments and personal responsibility".

What she said was that she was basically done "punishing me" that anything I did or did not do would have more impact on me than any punishment that there would be consequences of my actions and even if she wanted to, there may be consequences that she can't fix or make better.  

She told me that while my parents expected me to do well in school... and would be disappointed if i didn't do my best.. in the end, it wasn't going to impact THEM.. They had their college and master's degrees.. They did the hard work that enabled them to get into Harvard.. etc...  So, I don't study.. slack off... get held back.. that's on ME.. not them.. and if I can't go to the college of my choice.. it's my fault and they can't fix that.

If I break the law.. I am the one that will get that mark on my record.. have to pay the price.

If I do drugs and OD.. I'm the one that may be arrested.. or die..  I'm the one that will risk life limiting choices in my young life.

If I get pregnant.. well... again... that's me.. not them.. and I will suffer those consequences.

Basically, I had gotten to an age where the stakes for me were higher than they were for my parents.  Now, they said that part of the parent/child deal was that they gave me privileges.. and if I abused the privileges.. they would be taken away... (we didn't have phone.. really more talking about allowance for me).  That it was up to ME to think about my actions and what the result would be on my life.

If/When Munchkin decides that her other life is too toxic and wants a break... you can give her that message

M.. in the past, I have tried to manage things that were things you really should have been doing for yourself, I'm sorry if you feel I put undo stress on you or unrealistic expectations.  Going forward, I hope that you choose to excel in school and keep your nose clean because I know you are a smart and capable person with great potential.  But, I'm no longer going to push or ride you to get the best from you.  you need to want it for yourself.  Of course I will be disappointed if you don't do what's best, but I think you need to understand that at this point in your life, your decisions will impact your future.. for the good or bad and it's up to YOU to choose wisely.  I have my life, my home, my career, my family.. it's up to you what you make of yours.

I'm not going to punish you for those things either.  Don't get me wrong, if you abuse a privilege like your cell phone, your dad may decide you can go without it for a while.. but making good choices? doing your schoolwork? You are the only one that can truly make those decisions and I hope you choose wisely.. but in the end.. it's your life.

 

CLove's picture

Im going to print that out. And post it on the fridge in full view, because honestly I dont even want to see or speak to her. I dont want to waste breath on her. I dont want to waste one additional iota of intelligence or intention or attention on her. I dont care about her success, and am only meh on her failing. Im just heartbroken and feeling defeated and feeling like I wasted 7 years of my goodness on undeserving toxic humans.

Currently, if I say or text anything I am "harassing". 

But I will print this out.

ESMOD's picture

It's a message that can't and shouldn't be delivered now.  This is a message that you need to keep in your hip pocket.. for when your resolve to disengage softens... when Munchkin (the old munchkin) comes back around with her endearing traits and wants to have you back in her life.  When her mom and sister have cut her knees off again.

That's when you need to remember your spitting nails anger.. but realize that to an extent, some of this is stuff the kid can't really help.. but in another sense isn't your bag to carry either.. you can then give her that speech.. and let her think about that.  

Monkeysee's picture

This is incredible advice, your parents did you such a service in laying things out this way. Need to remember this when my DD is around that age. 

CLove, I'm so sorry this has happened, I know how hard you've worked & how much you cared. I hope you keep your boundaries in place, everything Esmod has said above is so incredibly powerful & true. She's old enough to face the consequences of her own decisions. 

tog redux's picture

Yes. It's common now for parents to be riding their kids about school well into their teens - that's how you create dependency. I don't remember my parents even asking or knowing what kind of homework I had (no portal then), but they definitely looked at my grades.

 

CLove's picture

Its because of distance learning and lack of accountability and more accountability for the parents.

hereiam's picture

I hope you are truly done this time, Clove. You cannot fix her.

If you don't keep your boundaries in place, these tantrums of hers will only get worse and it will only be a matter of time before she and TT are accusing you of something more serious.

I have been where you are, trying to provide a better path so SD can have a better life. But, they cannot get out of their own way and their loyalty to their dysfunctional, mentally disordered BMs, keep them from accepting guidance from us or their fathers.

My SD was 15 when she declared her little war. She even tried to get DH to hit her. I'm sure BM orchestrated the whole thing, as it was very out of character for my SD. Yes, I was hurt (seemed she believed all of BM's lies) but I got over it and became indifferent and never trusted her, again. I am indifferent to this day (SD is almost 30). I don't want anything bad to happen in her life but I don't lose any sleep thinking about her, either.

When my SD was young, I would have bet my life that she would be more like my DH but BM's influence was too hard to ignore, I guess.

 

 

CLove's picture

Will be very very hard, I think I was in too deep.

I need to take my name off contact cards and her name off some things as well.

Wicked stepmo.'s picture

Your current feelings are justifiable. The wounds are still fresh.  But in time the disappointment and anger will pass.

Since it is in your nature to be a kind person, you will eventually let go of all the negative feelings. Trust me I have been there many times and have forgiven too much. 

You are right in realizing M is going to continue to repeat this pattern. You are smart to decide to start protecting yourself from being sucked into it. 

OSD burned me very badly, and SO didn't help the situation. I thought I would never get past the rage I felt . But with time and the space between us I created by not engaging with her anymore eventually I could look at her and realize I didn't care anymore. 

Indifference will eventually be the place you will end up if you remain committed to maintaining the boundaries you have established. They will know it, there is no way to hide it. But the loss of relationships is a natural consequence to their actions and not something to feel guilty about. Because trust me they really don't care or feel about us the way we do about them. 

YSD didn't pitch a fit about leaving my home because she gives two shits about me and at that moment regretted her choices and actions. She was only concerned about her comfort and her possessions. 

Harry's picture

Is playing one side against the other.  Telling BM what she wants to hear and you what you want to hear. Telling both of you how great you are to her,  until you want her to do something she doesn't want to do. Ie school work.  Then you are evil SM. As BM and her sister are evil BM and evil sister.

I would not pay her phone bill. I would cut her off you disrespect me you get nothing. Let her bio parents work it out. 
you must disengage from her and her sick ways. Do nothing except say hello and better good by.

DH is now in charge of cooking, cleaning as in everything 

CLove's picture

No more taking her berry picking and baking pies, no more getting her chocolate when shes on her period, no more buying her favorite pads, no picking her up from toxic mother, no more making her tea when she throws up, no more painting workshops in the forest, no presents for b-day no cake for b-day.

All trips, and all things come from parents.

ndc's picture

Hang tough.  I fear you're too nice and good hearted to stick with that, but it's really in everyone's best interest if you do.

halo1998's picture

Cut her phone off..TT and your DH can figure out how to get her a phone.  When GWR pulled his "I want to live at mommies house" we shut off his phone, repossed it, took his car and gave that away, stopped his car insurance.  No respect..no rewards...go get mommy to pay for your crap.

tog redux's picture

CLove, what is your plan when Munchkin comes over and says, "TT told me to say all of that."  I'd expect that from her. 

The_Upgrade's picture

TT may have told her to say all of that but at the end of the day SD14 was the one who chose to say all of that. She had a choice and she made it. Bed's made. Time to lay in it now 

CLove's picture

Yes, but in this she directly texted me, the same things she texted DH. Im rude, and have been harassing her. Ive been unsupportive, and passive aggressive. All the big words that Ive discussed with her.

Coming back at me.

Her pattern hisorically is "I dont know why my mother would say that!"

Because she would tell her mother things verbally (go crying to her), and then Troll would text DH. This is the first time she came at me directly herself.

I called her on her shit. I have proof of everything (I dont think she realizes this) and Ive washed my hands, but am keeping records in case court happens.

MissK03's picture

You should stop texting her for the time being. It will be used against. She texts you.. don't respond. 
 

See her on her visitations. 

CLove's picture

I did block initially, but unblocked. Everything will go through DH entirely from here on out.

Just going to lay low and not do anything else for her. Probably should take my name off contact cards at school too.

MissK03's picture

Yeah I probably would get you taken off school stuff. It will just make you angry. I'm not on anything for school. I don't look at grades nothing. Been disengaged from that non sense for years now. It was really only SS17. Although, I don't think SS16 applies himself fully but, I don't get involved. SD gets high honors and does what she's suppose to do so nothing to really deal with it. 

IDontCare3117's picture

A couple of weeks ago this kid was upset because FF assaulted her, and she didn't want it swept under the rug as proposed by your DH.

Now she is complaining you are "harassing her in her bedroom".  Umm, isn't that a bedroom you help pay for?  And weren't you asking if she got her schoolwork done?

You've done so much for this kid.  You've been a safe haven for her.  Let go of the rope, and let her parents deal with the mess they created.

CLove's picture

She absolutely did not want to do any reporting. I had to walk away from that. When she was assaulted, she then took a shoe and sprained her sisters thumb. So she didnt want any trouble from that.

I bought her 300$ plus of a bed frame, a canopy and sheet/pillow case sets. Dad bought the mattress (at my insistence) because she wanted something bigger.

YUP. I pay half mortgage. And have always respected her space. Any supposed "harassing" I did was through the door.

Powerfamily's picture

SD is 14 and well aware what she is doing.   And to whether she comes back and blames TT or her sister it really doesn't matter at the end of the day  SHE has done this behaviour and therefore any consequenses that happen to HER is HER own fault.

Show her what her behaviour achieves by removing yourself from her life, if she trys to crawl back and blame everyone else tell "No you are 14 YOU knew what you were doing and untill you take responsilbity for YOUR own action and stop blaming others and maybe we can talk about again."   But don't reengage with her keep every thing between her parents you can't care more then they do.

You know this behaviour cycle will continue unless you stop it.   Remove yourself from all points of contact for her, disengage from her when she at your home, let her and her parents figure out her schooling.    

 

 

 

 

CLove's picture

In one months time 15. Dh wants me there at the house. Hard to disengage with her there. Luckiliy she is in her room mostly.

But it was awkard and miserable last nigiht.

She and I never spoke, she never approached me at all. Nothing.

advice.only2's picture

I'm really sorry it has come to this, but I understand what you are going through, I went through it myself. When I disengaged from Spawn I think she figured things would be back to normal in a day or two. I have a feeling TTS will probably think the same thing, that she will do this, you will get over it and forgive her and in a few days things will be normal again. I know Spawn thought this with me, she was 16 when I disengaged and I have not spoken to her since that time.

CLove's picture

I insisted that DH continue his visitation. He picked her up, I took myself out for a dinner and shopping trip.

Came home, got into an argument because I am still so furious.

He makes dinner, using spinach I bought, and he and his precious little darling eat and chat while she giggles and chit chats in her high sing-song voice that I am starting to loathe.

Shes on her best behavior.

Now I know why so many step parents are miserable during visitations. They are in their bubble and Im on the outside, angry.

I havent spoken to her since Tuesday texts.