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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

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feeling very sad right now.

31 replies

scotsmum2015 · 02/04/2015 23:31

I wrote a big spiel and then it said I had to log on to post so .... here we go again. I'm really on here to try and occupy my racing head and stop crying. My 16 year old has left to go to her father's and might not be coming back. I know to say this makes me sound but bitter but he isn't really interested in her, phones sporadically, let's her down constantly and switches his phone off constantly so that no one can reach him. She and I argued earlier in the week and she was asked to submit the cellphone I pay for, she refused so I wrestled it off her- wrong I know. It ended with her calling me a f**g b**h and pathetic. Since then I have tried to talk to her, apologised for my part in it and discuss a way forward but she won't back down. Since she went to high school there have been problems, constant lateness to the extent she us facing being kicked out at the summer, that's what started the fight as she refuses to act responsibly. Her guidance teacher told me her attitude stinks as she is failing to take responsibility for deadlines. She refuses to consider any other career than dentistry despite getting mostly c at prelims and continuing to only study when forced. I push her to study as i have tried asking her to be realistic and consider other less academic career paths , I don't care what she does as long as it's something! I pay for a tutor at her request so I don't think it's unreasonable to ask her to do a bit of work. She has had every opportunity, guitar, piano lessons, gymnastics and dropped them all with little care. She wanted to go to 2 dance schools despite me warning it would be a lot of commitment and happily let me pay but goes when it suits her. I too her to London for her birthday at the weekend and it was obvious she really didn't appreciate the money and effort put in. basically she doesn't aseem to appreciate anything. I'm not rich, I'm a nurse who works extra shifts for these luxuries and I go without. I go to work and I come home to look after her and I really don't do much else if it doesn't involve her! Her dad is delighted. He blames me and says her problems are all down to my working and not being there! Nothing to do with his absences for large chdunks if her life or letting her down at the last minute, I have spoiled her but I only tried to give what I could and I thought it would help her in life. He has a bad temper and beat me when we argued and I worry what will happen when they clash. We spit up as he refused to work regularly and wouldn't back down and it just feels like history repeating except I cannot imagine my daughter that I love with all my heart turning away from me. I have cried so much over this and have palpitations every time I stop typing. I'm so scared for her future and feel this is going to lead to disaster for her. I told her to stay away until she is ready to compromise so I have made this happen and now I suffer! But how could I allow it either? I wish she was 10 again as I know I would do it all completely differently. Sorry to go on so much. X

OP posts:
scotsmum2015 · 07/04/2015 16:42

My aunt is going to send a text saying phone not working and that I asked her to convey the message as I was with her when I received his message. The next thing I'll get is a message asking when I'm going to start paying him maintenance! Or a lawyers letter... he's good at that! What is the law with that .? We live in scotland. I have told her she can return if she is willing to observe some basic ground rules so it's not exactly flinging her out... Is it? I just wish this was all over... looks like the heartache is just beginning....

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scotsmum2015 · 07/04/2015 16:53

Thank you mix56 for sharing your experiences. im glad your situation resolved , you are right, there are lots of ways to get there in the end. I am worried about the drugs etc. As dad is not really interested in her and has very poor record in being dependable . He is enjoying this and has waited a long time for it.... not my words.. my aunt's who knows him well. At this moment I can't imagine her coming home and I know first-hand how her dad behaves with those who challenge him.... it worries me how it will go when they clash. I know I can't back down as it would only put a plaster on a major wound but I'm terrified of what comes next. I'm back to work Friday and have a feeling there will be more hurt and confrontation before the week is out. I don't know how I'm going to deal with all this pain... sorry to be so dramatic.... I know people are dealing with worse.

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Weebirdie · 07/04/2015 17:00

Scotsmum, I think you have to deal with it by letting it happen because there really is nothing else you can do. Let your daughter know she still has a home with you then get through each day as it comes. You will face whatever happens next if something does in deed happen, but for now there is absolutely no point in driving yourself demented thinking of what ifs.

mix56 · 07/04/2015 17:21

OP, there is a very good chance that your X will not like the way she behaves either, or els he just doesn't have any ground rules. either way, like weebirdie says,
do not torment yourself over things that have not yet happened.
Just breath. try & keep occupied. go to the hairdresser, of do some sport, or repaint the bathroom.... anything to keep keeping on.
sorry can't help re maintenance. about time however that he understood, just how expensive bringing up & child can be. No point in changing anything anyway, yet, it depends if she stays.
is there a step mother ?

scotsmum2015 · 07/04/2015 17:24

No he is on his own.

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scotsmum2015 · 08/04/2015 20:30

Sorry. Don't know why that went so big... looks like I'm shouting... no further contact from either. This is the longest I've ever went without speaking to her....... I keep thinking I'll come home and she will be here and I'm dreading her coming for the rest of her stuff..... my friend thought she saw her the other night in our home town which would mean he had drove her through to spend time with her friends.... not confirmed right enough..... just wish this was all over....

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