i have a 12 yr old, beautiful, daughter who is my only child. He father and I parted when she was four. Since she was 5 we have lived with my partner who has never been married, nor had any kids. Although I love him dearly, and he is always there for me and my daughter, there is something missing. Basically, he feels nothing for my daughter. He picks on her and makes arguments out of nothing that leave her frustrated, tearful and confused. If I step in to 'referee', world war three breaks out and he sulks for a week. It can't continue like this, but I am torn between them both. There are times when it is harmonious, but this is pretty rare. I try to reassure my daughter that my partner is not a natural parent, and that I know she is a good kid who does not deserve such a hard time from him, but these words feel hollow. My biggest fear is when she is older she will tell me how wretched life was as a youngster and I did nothing to help her. Any advice out there?