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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

To want teenage dd to leave *edited by MNHQ to reflect that some discussion of eating disorders takes place*

134 replies

Stitch2017 · 05/09/2017 11:16

Wasn't really sure where to post this, so I'm posting here for traffic.

I'm at the end of my tether. I've felt sick, vomited several times and my heart has been pounding for days.

Teenage dd, 17. January she was on top of the world. A levels, part time job, lots of cash saved for driving lessons. Then she met a 26 year old man at work. She was 16 at the time.

We found out about 4 months into the relationship when I tried to confiscate her phone for some misdemeanor.

Suddenly everything fell into place. The late nights up talking to friends, the changes in her appearance, random gifts appearing, etc. I was shocked and not happy about the age gap, but as time has gone on things have got worse.

She was 15 % underweight at one point, convinced the drs she was anorexic, and got referred to a therapist who she told she hadn't eaten for three days. We thought she was depressed, hence the GP visit.

She's eating a now but still looks painfully thin. Her skin is pale, her hair is green due to over dyeing different colours. She has new piercings in her ears, stomach and nose which keep getting infected. She failed her A levels (U, U, E), despite being predicted Bs and Cs at Xmas. She has been fired from several jobs and 'let go; from others.

He's currently in Portugal (home country) but due back again soon, and I don't think I can cope with it again. He is a sex obsessed predator. He has videos and pictures of her, and all he is interested in is meeting up for sex. He cheated on her with a work colleague and she still goes back. He doesn't care that she has failed her exams. He watches porn, and without going into details, he treats my daughter like a porn actress. He wants a threesome with her and a friend. She now thinks that this is all normal relationship behaviour. He reinforces her own insecurities about her body. He draws, and drew a picture of her but told her he used a victoria's secret model for the body. He wants a sex party.

She is an emotional mess. She lies non stop, including to him. She has told him she has a flashy car and is starting a law degree. She appears to compulsively lie, and it can be about anything and everything. She is snappy with her siblings and not pleasant at all to be around.

I only know because when we thought she was anorexic and suicidal, we checked her facebook messages. I've never invaded her privacy before, but the GP couldn't help, there are no therapies around, they won't prescribe, and I was living with the fear that I was going to find her dead one day. She doesn't know that I've read them, so it's impossible for me to explain to her how unhealthy the relationship is.

I'm just so sick now of being lied to, the worry of it all, and being treated like dirt. I work 7 days a week, but I work from home a lot so I've been around for her, and even taking her to work with me at weekends (it's a job she can help with) and it's been so draining.

I want to tell her, if she wants to keep seeing him and throwing her life away she needs to move out. AIBU? What else can I do?

OP posts:
reetgood · 06/09/2017 00:58

a long time ago, I attended a talk someone from PACE (parents against child exploitation) and so much of what you are saying op sounds similar to some of the stories they touched on.

As a parent you are in a very difficult position. Please do get in touch with them or have a look at this section of their website. You need support and at the least they made be able to signpost paceuk.info/for-parents/

Frequency · 06/09/2017 01:21

I have no advise on her behaviour OP but you have my sympathies. I do agree re calling the Police. Can you not tell her it was you? The Police won't tell him who reported him.

Regarding her hair, she could tone out the green with a red toner. You can mix up your own using direct dye (Rusk Deep Shine, Pravana Vivids, Crazy Colour, Manic Panic etc) and white conditioner.

It might take trail and error to get the depth of the toner right but with a direct dye and conditioner it won't be causing any damage. Start out lighter and work your way up. That should neutralise the green and take her back to blonde. Put it on damp, towel dried hair and watch it closely. It shouldn't turn red if you do it right.

I realise her hair is the least of your issues but you mentioned it was bothering her and spending time slathering her in conditioner might be a good chance to get her sitting down with you and maybe chatting.

manicinsomniac · 06/09/2017 02:18

Is she about to start back at school this week? Presumably it's only her AS levels she's failed if she's still 17? Can't she resit them as part of Year 13? Or has she dropped out of school altogether?

If she is about to go back the regular structure might help her with eating, any drug issues and even with not seeing too much of the 'boyfriend'.

Glad the police are involved - he sounds terrible.

EmeraldIsle100 · 06/09/2017 16:18

That's really sweet of you *Frequency'. Anything that can be done
to bolster her confidence might help.

MongerTruffle · 06/09/2017 18:19

If he's Portuguese does he not have freedom of movement across the EU (for now)

Freedom of movement does not apply if the person is considered to be dangerous.

WellThisIsShit · 07/09/2017 04:42

Glad you're sticking with your DD for the time being, although it's hard, it's the right thing to do.

Dragongirl10 · 07/09/2017 11:19

Hi Op

Just read your updates, you really have done so much to support her whilst trying to block him...lt must be exhausting but from an outsiders POV please don't give up, you still have a good relationship with her and she needs that.

You are right to not let he know the extent of what you have found, better to be able to check what is going on.

In light of the everything you are doing to keep her onside l think you should focus on him, try all avenues to get/keep him away from her.

Police... to report suspected illegal entry of him or his family....get someone to REALLY warn him off, threaten to contact his work etc....Start to make his life difficult without your dd knowing......

So very sorry for all the difficulties you are going through, l have an 11 yr old, and would stop at nothing to get rid of a monster like that abusing my child

EmeraldIsle100 · 07/09/2017 11:54

As Dragon says don't give up on her. I have been through similar and when it looked like our relationship was irreparable we got through it because despite being horrified at her behaviour I somehow didn't make her leave. Even when I didn't believe it and she hated me I told her we would get through it.

It's not over yet but our bond is very strong and she 100% believes I want the best for her.

If you stick with it your DD will know deep down that you want what's best for her and won't abandon her. Keep on telling her even if she is not ready to listen.

Try to get counselling for yourself. I am starting tomorrow and should have done it sooner.

beyondworriedmum · 07/09/2017 18:10

Going through similar with my DD 19 it is hell OP reach out and get help and support for yourself you need to be strong and hope it will pass! I too am sick of the drama but you've still got ure daughter just keep the faith and don't throw her out she needs you although hard to believe from one mother to another ❤️x

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