My DH is feeling distant from his 2 DDs (16 and 14 years old). They spend EOW (Thurs-Mon) so about 40% with us and he felt that it wasn't enough. He talked to ex and the girls about changing to 50/50, but girls decided they liked the current schedule. Which he understands, due to more commitments at school, being close to friends, easy routines at their mum's, etc. Although their mom works full-time and makes a good salary, she is very money conscious and this change would affect child support payments and cost-sharing responsibilities in a big way. So we think that they might be protecting her as well. Also understandable. I told him that they will always know that he wanted to spend more time with them and that they made a choice that was right for them. Both good things.
He is having a hard time accepting that his little girls are growing up and is taking it quite personally. His role used to be "adventure dad" always doing fun activities outdoors with the girls. They loved it...and he was comfortable in that role. Now that they are more interested in screen-time and texting, he doesn't know where he fits into their lives anymore or how to reach them. He texts them in between visits and sometimes gets a one word answer, or nothing at all. I tell him it is totally normal, and he just keep texting. They will appreciate it later in life.
Any advice or tips on how to maintain a close relationship with limited time together as teens grow-up?
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Step-parenting
supporting DH in parenting 2 teen girls
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sunnydaze01 · 16/11/2016 16:43
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