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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

Issues with boyfriend daughter

211 replies

Williams1971 · 08/08/2018 18:25

My bf’s daughter has issues with me. She’s 11. Her mum died 5 years ago they were not together and now she shares her time between him and her mums mum. I have tried to be nice to her and never have I wanted to take over the mums roll I have 4 children of my own. Sometimes she will be nice to me normally when she wants something , but most of the time she screams shouts and tantrums when I turn up at the house. She has growled at me, pushed me , told the dog to attack me and hid my stuff. The dog attack and hidden stuff you denies. I get very anxious when she is about cause I don’t know when she will flip. She has done this in the past in front of people too. When ever I answer any question she always says I’m wrong even down to what day it is ! I think she needs some kind of councilling as I’m sure this behaviour is not right. She talks to her dad like she owns him and in a horrible tone as well sometimes. When we are talking she interrupts. I’m at my wits end how to cope with this. He wants to move in but I don’t want to feel uncomfortable in my house around her. Any advise please?

OP posts:
Williams1971 · 09/08/2018 22:35

Bf and his daughter

OP posts:
SisterNotCisTerf · 09/08/2018 22:46

Ah! Of course. Now it makes sense why he wants to move in with you.

UnlikelyAstronaut · 09/08/2018 22:46

Op hasn't said she wants to move in with him. Hmm

She said that HE wants to move in with HER... but that she's not comfortable with this, because his daughter is troubled and difficult.

She outlined the living arrangements.

And she asked for advice abut how to help the daughter.

Why are people being hostile.

The most useful post you have received OP, is the link to DDP - Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy - this is exactly the kind of approach that my friend is learning about through CAMHS.

But it needs to come from her father your bf): I repeat, you cannot help her on your own. The real impetus needs to come from her dad and it's a long road. Flowers

Broussard · 09/08/2018 22:46

Oh I see! So its so much worse than you have been saying! Hmm

Williams1971 · 09/08/2018 23:07

Thank you again. I appreciate everything you are saying and I’m looking up stuff for the info on DDP so I can get the stuff and hand it over to him as I think he just needs some guidance

OP posts:
WontBeUsingPassMyParcelAgain · 09/08/2018 23:10

I am mum to two bereaved children. I have read the whole thread and I think I can add some things that others might not have picked up on.

Firstly, bereaved children can often access support from a hospice, even if they are not from families where a hospice was involved originally. This applies to my children and our local hospice has been amazing. Google bereavement services for children in your area and see what it comes up with. CAMHS are likely to turn your DB's daughter down and say this is normal for a grieving child. The bereavement may have occurred five years ago (and for us too), but it will affect kids forever. Even with counselling, it affects my children everyday. If you can't handle that in the future at some point, it would be best to get out now. I don't let my children be rude or threatening to others, but they absolutely have to come first if I have any chance of helping them to grow up into the kind of rounded individuals we hoped they would be before the bottom fell out of their little worlds. The fact that your DB doesn't have this same level of concern for his DD is really, really sad. I have had to give up my career (but still have a job..) as the kids worry that I am dead if I am a minute late for pick up after school. I put myself a very distant last in the pecking order as their needs are complex and changing and it is my duty and wish as their surviving parent to help them as much as I can. They do chores, they do lots of activities, but they have the security of me putting them first (whilst also meeting mine - mostly!). When you compare this to the little girl in question, as that is what she still is, it is no wonder that her behaviour is challenging.

Secondly, a bereaved child might actually want a new parent. My kids do! It must be very confusing for your DB's daughter, as she sees you parenting your own children but you are not making a relationship with her. In separated families, I can see why people say they are not going to try and replace the other parent, but in this case, where a parent has died, a step parent might expect to be involved as a parent eventually, as much as the bereaved child feels comfortable letting someone else in - all the bereaved kids I know have varying opinions on this. My kids know that no-one will replace their dad, but they would love to have a relationship with someone as their step-dad. If you don't want this at all, then I also think you should seriously consider the future of your relationship.

PolkaHots · 09/08/2018 23:11

He’s living with his mother? And he wants to move in with you?

Williams1971 · 09/08/2018 23:20

Thank you I will digest everything you have put and appreciate your input and definitely something to think about and makes a lot of sense

OP posts:
Freshfeelings · 09/08/2018 23:28

Poor little girl. You clearly dislike her very much - like she needed that on top of everything she's been through and continues to go through. The best and most helpful thing you can do is walk away.

dirtybadger · 09/08/2018 23:44

RTFT.

The absolute bottom line is that it doesn't have anything to do with you after 6 months of knowing her.

Her parents were separated before the bereavement so I'm assuming she may have had a few parental type figures come and go in her short life. That alone is tough. Her dad needs to step up and put her first. HE should be on a forum asking what he can do, ffs (at him not you)! Its not your job to coach him to parent.

A young relative of mine lost her mum when she was 9. She lives with grandparents and is in her teens. She has always had a relationship with her dad but very much as secondary carer. She seemed fine for a long time but developed an eating disorder when she hit 12. She has been robbed of her grandparents (because grandparents are supposed to be fun and get in trouble with mum and dad when they give you too many sweets, etc, not have to take on parental roles) and her mother. Your boyfriend DD has also had that.

As an aside, it would probably be nice for her to have her own space rather than hopping from living with nan and dad to your kids and you. I don't see why he can't move out alone for a year or two and then reevaluate? It would probably make it easier to build a relationship with you if you were visiting him at his own place (generally when DD wasn't around, for a while).

MorningsEleven · 10/08/2018 16:24

I hate these threads. I really do. Why do so many people not see children as real humans?

What gets me is that children are unable to rationalise their feelings in the same way as adults and they consequently need more help and understanding and support. They don't need a "me me me!" girlfriend on their case.

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