Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I probably am, but I'm posting anyway.

6 replies

KarmaAngel · 13/08/2010 17:54

Will give a bit of background so not AIBU by stealth. Grin

I've been with my DH for 15 years. When I met him DSD was 2.5, he had already split from her mum a year previously. When we started going out DSD lived in her (maternal) grandparents house with her mum. Although her grandparents were the one's who looked after her really, as her mum would go missing for days on end after being on a boozy bender. DH would see DSD at weekends and on his day off during the week, with her staying over every other Saturday.

Back then his relationship with his ex was volatile to say the least. When I came on the scene it seemed to make things worse with his ex.

Anyway the years passed. His ex went on to have 2 more children to different boyfriends. Things calmed down and we all had a reasonable relationship really. ALthough legally DSD was supposed to be living with her mum, she was living with her grandparents around 98% of the time. And then started school down the road from their house.

His ex and I struck up a bit of a friendship about 13 years ago and started to have a few nights out together. In the end I found her far to intense and demanding and scaled down my relationship with her. But we've remained on friendly terms ever since. (With the odd hiccup thrown in).

DSD moved in with us 9 years ago. Her mum got pissed off at this and caused a bit of trouble around that time. Her mum isn't very maternal really, will palm her kids off on anyone and has a bit of a mouth on her.

Fast forward to today. DSD is almost 18. Over the years she's had a volatile, sometimes violent relationship with her mum. Atm they're getting on ok. DSD was beaten up whilst on holiday earlier this week. She had to cut her holiday short and get the first flight home. She has a broken arm and a black eye.

Today her mum came to see her. It was pleasant we all sat chatting, making plans for DSD's 18th whilst having a cuppa. I said to DSD that I'd bought her some bubble bath if she wanted a bath later, and would help her wash her hair. (She has a cast on her arm and can't get it wet). Her mum then said she was going after being here for about an hour.

I then later thought how sad it was for DSD that her mum should be the one buying her bubble bath and washing her hair and she's not I am. I thought (this is the AIBU bit) doesn't this woman have any shame? How can she sit there whilst her daughter is in pain and let someone else be doing all the caring for her. I look at my dds and there's no way I could do that. I'd have to be right there doing all the things they needed doing. It made me sad really, that this woman has missed out on so much in regards to DSD. The good and the bad stuff that comes from being a mum. And DSD has missed out on having that loving relationship with her mum. She has had that type of relationship with me and her nan, but it's no substitute for the real thing.

I probably am BU but just thought I'd vent.

OP posts:
Tortington · 13/08/2010 17:58

YABVVVU

.....as she is clearly very lucky to have a step mum like you

Squitten · 13/08/2010 17:59

YANBU to feel sad for your DSD about her relationship with her Mum. It's a pity that her Mum has obviously had other issues to deal with and has not been around for her.

It's good that she has you and her nan to look out for her and it's good that you are on generally good terms with the mother so that at least that's not another issue for the poor girl!

traceybath · 13/08/2010 18:00

What custardo said Smile

insertexpletive · 13/08/2010 18:01

I can see where you are coming from, but your dsd has been with you for 9 years!

If you turn it on it's head, if mum had said "No, I will wash hair" you could have easily come on here saying "Who does she think she is, stepping in after doing F* all for the last 17 years..."

I agree that the situation is sad, but thank the Lord that you have clearly got a good relationship, not only with dsd, but with her mum too. Bet there are a lot of mn'ers who would wish for the same.

LynetteScavo · 13/08/2010 18:09

OK, I'll post, as I read the whole OP, but I think YAB a bit U...yes it should be her mum in a perfect world, but it's not. She's lucky to have you as a step mum. And you'll get out what you put in. Enjoy your DSD. Smile

Her mum is probably a) either feeling sad, and that she's missing out because she's messed up or b) is thinking nothing of it, and therefore your DSD is a very lucky young lady to have you.

MaureenMLove · 13/08/2010 18:10

I think it's more likely that you are feeling incredibly maternal towards your DSD at the moment, because she's hurt and in pain and YOU weren't there when it happened!

Why else would you suddenly start thinking it was sad, that she doesn't have a good relationship with her mum, after all these years?

She's very, very lucky to have had you in her life and you should be very proud of that. Good to know that the pair of you can work together, to arrange her 18th though. I'm sure somewhere inside, mum is actually embarrassed about her behaviour over the years, but she probably didn't want to step on your toes, in your house!

YABU, but completely understandly so. Smile Hope your DSD is feeling better soon.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page