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Step-parenting

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How to interact with DSD

6 replies

fifi669 · 17/05/2014 09:44

DP is going to court to get proper access to his DD. Over the past three years ex has allowed him anything between 45 mins to 6 hours a week depending on what she feels like at the time. It currently stands at 2 hours. She tries to justify this by saying DP is an inadequate parent because DD got got mud on her clothes playing in the park or DD had a toilet accident. Hmm

His DD is 3 1/2, her parents splitting when she was 6 months old. She has been repeatedly told daddy chose fifi and her DS instead of you. We don't like fifi and DS, they smell etc. I was not the OW. She was allowed to see us for a month? back last summer and we got on well. Her and DS also 3, not as much but nothing dramatic.

DP and I are expecting a child in July, DD is unaware at present as ex has stated she will tell DD it isn't her brother and will say DP is lying.

DD hasn't been allowed to see any of DPs relatives in the 3 years they've been apart as ex will stop contact. DPs family are normal people. Think nurses and shop workers not junkies and drunks IYSWIM.

With it all going to court DP is requesting a whole day a week where DD can be part of our family and of her extended family without interference. Assuming this is granted, I'm not sure how to approach DSD. It will be a lot to take in with new siblings (DP has taken on DS as his own), grandparents, aunts and uncles. Being away from her mum longer etc. of course being told she hates us could be difficult too!

Should I try to engage her if it's just the four of us, or wait til she approaches me? If she's being naughty should I say something or summon DP to get him to?

OP posts:
TinkyWinkyDipsyLalaPo · 17/05/2014 17:33

I would meet somewhere like a park or play area to start with, so the focus isn't all on her incase she finds it a bit much.
It should also make the initial interaction easier as you can talk to her while she's playing rather than her being in a new house with new people.

I think you should try to get a set up of DH mainly disciplining at the start personally, as it will be a different to your DSs relationship with DH as they're together all the time. With it being once a week, I would try to treat her like a friend's child as regards discipline until she's completely settled, so little things is ok but try to get DH to do anything major to avoid her resenting you or feeling you're being stricter than DH would be if it was still just them, or DH Disney parenting (though I'm sure he wouldn't).

fifi669 · 17/05/2014 19:41

DP isn't as strict with his DD as he is my DS. Only having her for 2 hours at the moment he's scared she'll say to her mum that she doesn't like him and he won't get to see her. The ex would jump on any excuse!

I would think that will change once he has his contact sorted legally.

OP posts:
wheresthelight · 17/05/2014 21:10

Omg the poor child!!! She must be so confused!!

I have no real advice other than be yourself and just play with her as you do with your ds. It will take time but she will adjust and hopefully the courts will sort things quickly for you. Ask for a court appointed social worker for dsd so that her needs are addressed independently and also so that her mother's lies etc are picked up on.

Good luck!

fifi669 · 17/05/2014 21:28

We are both on low incomes and this year I'll be on maternity this year too.... Does appointing a social worker cost buckets?

OP posts:
fifi669 · 17/05/2014 21:29

Lots of this year.... Oops

OP posts:
wheresthelight · 17/05/2014 21:33

If you are up based it should be free and a standard part of the proceedings if it is reported about the dp's emotional abuse of her dd as that is exactly what it is

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