Well DD returned from school trip and DM returned from holiday yesterday and it's back to business as usual here. Am doing my best to let the little things like DM criticising the way I do the laundry go over my head as it's not even worth having a discussion about. But today DM takes DD off to an activity and keeps her out for ages then when they come home, it's obvious they've been discussing last week's school visit. I bring DDs clean uniform up to her room (DM is hovering around as usual) and DD says stroppily 'Won't be needing that much longer, will I?'
DM says, 'Why not?' really sharply. I say, 'Because it's nearly the end of term and then DD will be starting a new school in September.'
DM, now shouting, 'WHY?'
Me (deep breaths), 'Because we are moving and DD will have to change schools.'
DM, 'WHY ARE YOU MOVING?'
Me, thinking, er wait, what? Why is DM acting like this is the first time I've mentioned the move and school change, when it's been discussed several times?....'We've already discussed this. I'm not going through it all again'
DD, 'If you make me leave [current school] then I'm not living with you.'
DM, 'What you're doing is child cruelty. You're completely selfish.'
DD, 'If you make me move I'll hate you forever. You don't care about me at all. You only care about yourself. You'll ruin my life.'
So that was fun. Tried to sit with DD and talk reassuringly about how I understand change is scary, I do care about her and the move is not just for me, it is for her as well etc etc. Didn't get a great response. DM is now giving me silent treatment. Roll on moving date.
On another note, DD's schoolfriend's mum has said ooh, there's a house for rent near us on the bus route to school, maybe you could rent that and rent out your new house then DD can stay at her current school. Gah, hope DD doesn't get wind of this as she'll think that's an option that I can be constantly pestered with day in day out.