Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

I totally dislike my daughter (long and ranty)

443 replies

ohthatsokthen · 12/07/2014 10:51

DD now 21. Backstory she has been problematic since 13. Started with truancy, smoking etc. Then absconded from school and was found unconscious on the school field with an empty bottle of vodka. We then discovered she was bulimic and self harming. Many trips to the Drs later we were referred to PCAHMS for counselling. There are no known issues in our family, me and her dad still together, he has been a fantastic dad and we have both tried our best to support and encourage her. In her words "you are epic parents and I had a lovely childhood, I don't know why I do these things". Signed off from PCAHMS as deemed "helped". Over the next few years she went to college and got a part time job. She was then sent home from work as she was drunk, this continued and escalated until she was drinking all day and being abusive. I met with her work who offered to help - her words "all teenagers drink", took her to the drs "my mum is imagining it all, I am fine". To cut a long story short, the drinking escalated and she became threatening and violent and I snapped (probably not the best thing to do) and threw her out. We had a number of police visits due to threats and her trying to kick the door in. Police told me I was a victim of dv. She found a room, we paid the rent and deposit for 6 months. She got thrown out from that room because she kicked off and started smashing the place up. At this point I cut contact as she was making me ill with the stress. She moved in with her boyfriend, and his junkie father and moved onto drugs (speed, crack), got raped by her drug dealer. I can't even talk about that. She moved into a nice room, to get away and we paid the deposit. All this time still drinking but miraculously because of her manager she clung on to her job. She was then given notice on her room as the ll was getting married so she went off on a rare one and her threw her out that night. In desperation, the next day I found her a bedsit albeit in a halfway house type place, paid the deposit and the rent. She is still there. 5 months ago she quit drinking, we were so proud of her. I told her that she needed to get help as she obviously has issues (she says she wants to feel incredible all the time and can't bear the mundane day to day life). It transpires that although she isn't drinking the drug use has escalated, to the point she owes dealers. She came round last night and was vile, screaming and shouting at me. Told me all of this was her fault, she hated her life, we should take her back home and she would stop. I forced her to take the bedsit, if I hadn't she wouldn't be doing drugs. She hates her job, nobody has offered her a promotion and she's been there 3 years. I was very calm and told her, nobody had done this to her but herself and I wasn't going to discuss it anymore as she never listened (we asked her to attend Narcotics anonymous and the drs - she won't because they tell her things she doesn't want to hear). She was hateful, vicious and mean. I have got to the point where I totally dislike her and my husband says he despises her and can't be in her company. Sometimes I wish she was dead so that we didn't have to live like this and she wasn't suffering anymore. dh retires next year and we are going to sell up and move away (plan was to buy a house with annexe for dd if she got clean but that is never going to happen). All we wanted for her was to be happy, and either do uni/travel/or a job she liked. Whilst we are not perfect parents (who is) we have always encouraged and supported her and tried to do what we think is best. I am now at the point where I think - I've done everything I can, you are an adult and its up to you. I think this stems from growing up with both parents as alcoholics. I know she is a tortured soul but I can't help someone who refuses to take responsibility and help herself. Sorry for the essay, rant over - just wanted to get it off my chest!!! Thanks if you managed to read to the end

OP posts:
OneDreamOnly · 18/07/2014 17:13

oh I'm absolutely not in a place where I can give you any advise at all.

But I wanted to say that right from your first post, it has been clear for me that both you and your DH love your dd and that you have always done your best to support her regardless if the circumstances.
What you have done us fantastic and not all parents round have done that. Neither would they have shown the same sensibility to what will be working best or not for their dc. Or manage to be so restrained when their dd is coming with stories such as the one of the bf.

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 17:29

Hi, dds appointment is next Wed so will update you then. Currently am drip feeding her as I suspect she will try and pull out of it. Ziggy's suggestions are fine, the website was interesting and a possibility for the future if dd would be willing. However as other posters have said, her situation is so complex it will take a lifetime of sessions to get anywhere! Its lovely how so many of you are looking out for me has something in eye

Believe it or not, I am coping - humour helps. One instance I was laughing about with a friend the other day for example:

dd's ll called us because she had gone off on a rare one in the house and was smashing things. Called the police, we arrived to see her kicking off and being bundled in a police car. LL said she wouldn't have her back so the police asked where she could stay. I suggested asking her ex bf sex offender But. That. Is. Potential. For. A. Whole. Other. Thread!! Ex bf agrees to take her but won't be home until early hours as working. Me and dh go home, feeling a bit shell shocked (its the first time he had witnessed her kicking off). Sat up chatting as we couldn't really sleep. 2.30 am phone rings - of course we think the worst. Cue dd's ex bf "Hi its xx here, just to let you know I am home with dd. BTW I am the deputy manager of (a well known chain restaurant), I would like to offer you and Mr OK a complimentary meal at my restaurant".

Still smile at that one, a caution for criminal damage, being thrown out by her ll, dragged off by the police and he thinks tea at F&B would sort it! Smile

Maybe I should write a book!

OP posts:
ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 17:30

blubirdy 2 weeks in Florida in the near future will set me right Smile I leave my phone at home and dd knows she has 2 weeks to manage on her own.

OP posts:
ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 17:37

Just realised I will get flamed about the ex - bf. Biscuit. For context sex offence was under age sex (he was 18 she was 15).

OP posts:
GrannyOnTheSchoolRun · 18/07/2014 17:55

I went to Florida last year with my brother and his wife. I saw Disney every day for two weeks and in the evening we went to an outlet mall or Florida Mall. It was the best holiday I've ever had, and the high light was dancing a minuet with Goofy when I was waiting in line to have my pictures taken with all of the characters. I was so happy I burst into tears. I just stood there crying and crying.

I went to Florida and saw 3 miles up the road one way, then back to the apartment, then another 3 miles the other way to the shops. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

We're off on a cruise in October, 2 weeks round the Caribbean followed by a weekend in Disney. I never thought I'd like Disney but I came from there feeling like a new woman. I can't wait to go back.

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 17:58

Its great Granny so chilled particularly when I leave my phone behind. DH takes his so very limited contact. Have also cruised, that's just as nice. Enjoy Smile

OP posts:
areyoumymother · 18/07/2014 18:04

Still smile at that one, a caution for criminal damage, being thrown out by her ll, dragged off by the police and he thinks tea at F&B would sort it!

He was trying to be nice, right? And had no reason to take her in whatsoever - a lot less reason than you would have had. In his shoes I wouldn't have felt like offering you a free lunch...

wannabestressfree · 18/07/2014 18:05

Ohthatsokthen can I come? :)

GrannyOnTheSchoolRun · 18/07/2014 18:11

My husband is glued to his phone because of the business and can only do breaks of 4 days at a time so a couple of years ago I started going away with my new brother and his wife. I used to laugh at them going to Disney, and I do mean just Disney, every year - till last year when I went with them and felt as if I'd been reborn.

I had my phone and my boy would call me once a day at a pre-arranged time because of the time difference. He can't really say much so he'd just say something like 'smarties' and I'd say Ok, mama will bring them, and that would be that. He doesn't know where I went as that would be too cruel, he's been to Euro-disney but Florida is just too far for him.

I started getting excited about the cruise just this weekend, have started sorting out clothes. Im in the Uk with 3 of my grandchildren at the end of the month for about 3 weeks and then its home for about 4 and then off I go. Time will pass really quickly so I thought I'd start getting ready now - and hey presto I'm really looking forward to it. I'd kind of been a bit blasé about it, a bit like how I had been about Disney.

I have a good children, as well as good carers, who now help look after my son and I have to admit that much to my surprise I really do enjoy my time away.

I hope you have a lovely time, and that things work out for all of you sooner rather than later. xxxx

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 18:12

areyou its called black humour as it was a 2.30 am call, we thought it was the police contacting us with the worst news we could get. I didn't say it to him. It was sheer relief that it was an offer of a meal not a visit to a morgue. Clearly I have put my foot in it again....

Wanna - if you can bear the sight of my marbled limbs in a cossie you have earned a free trip Smile

OP posts:
igotaway · 18/07/2014 18:23

And me please............

Just a one way ticket will do - returns not required :)

Re private consultations
'Mum, if the NHS don't know, what makes you think private can be any better?'
Speed my DS, speed.

'No, dear Mum, knowledge beats money every time'

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 18:26

Igotaway another volunteer to see me in a cossie, this is going to be expensive Smile

OP posts:
blubirdy · 18/07/2014 19:10

Really OP, you should speak to a therapist about that black sense of humour, it's just not healthy or normal!!

^ that WAS a joke, just before I get knickers into twists. Being able to laugh at ourselves and our shitty situations is often what keeps people sane. Humour is one of the most healthy things off the list of "healthy coping mechanisms", and no counselor, therapist (or even medical/clinical psychologist- BOOM BOOM!) would disagree with me either.

OP.... enjoy Florida...had one of my best "therapy" sessions there....hired a cheap car and drove from Miami down through all the Keys and came back up via the Everglades. Enjoy, you both deserve it.

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 19:14

thanks birdy can't wait. Yes the worse the situation, the blacker my humour. That's just how I roll.

OP posts:
ashtrayheart · 18/07/2014 19:51

Hey ohthats, hope you have a great time. We are in centerparcs atm- minus dd1 this time, last time I came with her it ended up with me having to call the police Confused. So although it's not Florida it's lovely and peaceful Grin

ohthatsokthen · 18/07/2014 20:06

Enjoy your break ashtray x

OP posts:
Oblomov · 18/07/2014 20:31

So glad you're going to Florida.
Dead jealous.
I used to like you, but now I'm not so sure! Wink

JugglingFromHereToThere · 18/07/2014 20:45

Have a great time in Florida - I especially loved the Everglades if you have a chance to visit there. Amazing wildlife including dolphins, alligators and even a manatee (but DH is a wildlife buff)

livingzuid · 19/07/2014 12:36

OP this stuff just can't be made up can it! Poor you having to deal with the call. She is one step from being on the streets isn't she :( still she is not, somehow you have a free meal as a result :) and a lovely holiday to look forward to.

It's not a 'normal' life you all lead by any stretch of the imagination but, as my DH says to me, this is your normal and you just get on with it. Hats off to you and have a great time in Florida.

ohthatsokthen · 23/07/2014 18:01

Hi promised update after the Dr's appointment. I have been dreading it all week, dd stayed over last night she behaved which was a huge relief. She came after work and had hot chocolate and cookies and a soak in the bath. Amazingly she got up this morning when I woke her at 10am (that's really early to her Smile. She sulked in the car all the way to the Drs but when there allowed me and dh to sit in with her. He was very good and listened to us all, but said that there was probably little he could do as she was still using drugs and it would be hard to get a MH referral for her in that instance but he would try his best. He didn't try to tell her to stop, he asked her to consider the health implications and asked her what she really wanted out of life. He also told her if she was taking drugs to self medicate that was not something she would be able to sustain long term. When she told him, he said well you can't move forward at the moment, that is one of your problems - the drugs are stopping you. We have left it that he will try and get a referral and he will contact me not dh. Afterwards I took her shopping and got her a few bits she needed. She did say in the car that she knew she had to stop, but didn't want to at the moment. But then said if she did stop, could she still come and live in an annexe when we moved - I said yes. I asked her if she would at least consider cutting down as a start, she said she would but we shall see. She did also say "Mum that thing you always tell me is true" (If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get what you always get). She also said she was worried about her bf (he's a new development) as they were doing drugs together and she was scared he would die - I said she should look at him as if he was a mirror of her because he is doing the same as her but doesn't have any family support. It wasn't a total failure, she talked honestly and also had a taste of what life could be like without the drugs (ie spending quality time with her parents doing family stuff again). So on the positive side she is mulling things over (you have to do things slowly with dd) on the negative side dh heard stuff he was not aware of and I think it shocked him, he has been very quiet and sad today. I think the reality has hit him, but he will be fine he just needs to process it. Thanks again for your support.

OP posts:
Bruins · 23/07/2014 18:38

Have been looking out for your update ohthat. Small steps, but still steps.

That thing you tell your daughter is my favourite saying, and it is sinking in somewhere, isn't it. Another one I like is "when you're going through hell, keep on going"

Good luck OP, will think of you often.

blubirdy · 23/07/2014 20:53

I was also keeping an eye open for an update, thanks ohthat

I'm glad to 3 of you saw the GP, and hoping he can arrange a referral.

All 3 of you are in my thoughts.

MiscellaneousAssortment · 23/07/2014 22:24

I really like that phrase Bruins

"when you're going through hell, keep on going"

ohthatsokthen · 24/07/2014 13:37

Thanks blubirdy bruins x

OP posts:
Meerka · 24/07/2014 14:42

good luck for you both - well all 3. Hope that she can begin to find her way back to a better life