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Disenguaging (Tips needed)

Ang1224's picture

Hey there! 

 I could write a book about my whole story but I will shorten it up for you all. My Dh got full custody of my sd 9 over three years ago. From day 1 its been a struggle for me. I use to think it was me. Why was I having such a hard time being a stepmother? My dh doesn't have one problem with my 2 bio kids from a previous marriage. Well after years of trying I mentally and done. My sd ls a pathological liar, she hides everything, draws very concerning pictures is very sexualized for her age. She puts on an innocent front for her dad but he is slowly seeing. We have done therapy with 2 different therapists and it has not helped. I recently found out she has been watching sex videos. I was mortified. I know she needs professional help but im burnt out. My DH works alot and im a SAHM so he has basically thrown her on me since hes had custody. Ive finally put my footdown and its caused hell. My sd doesnt speak to me anymore unless she wants something. She will see me cooking and walk past me to ask her dad what I am cooking for dinner. She tells people im mean because i am not allowing her behavior she writes mean notes about me how she hates me. How do I disengage without causing a secene. Ive told him she is your child and you will do for her gets his feelings hurt because i dont want to be her "mother figure". My kids DO NOT cause problems or chaos and are respectful and love him so he just doesnt comprehend the problem. Ive tried. I know he needs to step up for sure but it is hard when he is the only one working he cant take off to do stuff for her. How would you disengage?? 

Comments

Harry's picture

Does not care about you.  He should be putting SD into activities to give you a break.  But it's not his problem, he not doing anything.

Ang1224's picture

Yes I agree she is in some activities but guess who has to take her if my dh is off he will ive started making him!! Thats a good question who would do it if i wasnt there? He said he didnt marry me to be his nanny but did expect me to help with his child and im lost because i have tried and tried. She obviously needs professional help and at this point and time its his responsibility to get it for her! Thank you guys for listening and helping me feel like im not alone

Survivingstephell's picture

What would DH do with her if you were not around?  That's what he does with her.  Sounds like he it the typical DH around her with a problem child, ignore and dump.  

It will get real nasty at first when you back out but back out of everything is what you do.  You do the bare neccessities for the house.  Don't do anything extra for SD.  No special meals, laundry (she's old enough to learn or Daddy dearest can do it)  He handles everything.  He won't make her change until HE FEELS THE PAIN OF PARENTING HER.    It up to you to make he feel that pain by not filling in for him.  

Everyone's situation is different with the way they house is set up so only you know what you can and cannot let slide but the more you dump on them , they better for you.  Choose your battles wisely, and know what you can let slide because a lot will bug the heck out of you at first.  Drop your standards overall but hold tight the ones that matter most.