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Contacting DSD 16yo

13 replies

BananaLeaf · 18/04/2015 08:15

I would be interested in some opinions on this situation.
DSD is 16yo, I have been in her life since she was 7. She used to come every 2nd weekend to visit, DH doing all pick ups and drop offs. Over the last 18 months or so this this has waned to about once a month, then every 6 weeks, and now we have not seen her since Christmas. She does a competitive sport which takes up much of her time and is also studying for GCSEs, DH doesn't put pressure on, but will ask when can we see you next etc. but she is very busy at the moment and hasn't committed to any date this year.
We really miss her but I understand this is part and parcel of her age and to be expected to a certain extent.
She often doesn't respond to his texts or answer calls, however he does not text or phone her as often as I think he should. They can easily go a couple of weeks without speaking. He is not on any social media and is not really aware of her competitions etc or what is going on in her life. (He has asked for a schedule of the competitions numerous times)
In the past he has relied on her visits to catch up with her, rather than phoning or texting regularly, but now they are few and far between. He seems to think she should contact him too now she's older. I think it's up to him to take the lead.
My question however is this - would I be undermining DH to contact her more frequently myself? We are 'friends' on facebook and she always seems to pick up my messages quickly and cheerfully. I feel inclined to message her more often but it feels odd for me to be giving him the updates of what she's doing. Do I leave it for him to take the lead, or forge ahead independently?

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slkk · 18/04/2015 08:29

Go for it. You've been in her life a long time and as she grows up her relationships with adults will change and will become more individual.

madamtremain · 18/04/2015 09:10

It depends on your motivation really? If it's because you genuinely want a relationship with her yourself then I think probably go for it. If you are hoping it will somehow bring the two of them closer then don't waste your time.

BananaLeaf · 18/04/2015 10:47

Yes I genuinely want a relationship.

OP posts:
madamtremain · 18/04/2015 11:07

Then I think do it.

Wdigin2this · 18/04/2015 12:54

If you're friends with her on social media, and have regularly chatted, just carry on doing so! But her father should not let weeks go by with no contact, it's up to him to ensure he stays in her life, he's the parent! Of course at 16, she has lots of other interests which are probably more appealing than visiting DF, but she can't commit to seeing him for the whole of this year?? I'd be a bit concerned about that! The only thing he can do is, phone, text, message...regardless of whether he gets replies, and keep it up for as long as it takes! She prob will come around eventually, and at least she will know that her DF never gave up!! The one thing you could do during SM chats, is occasionally mention that DF was asking, how is she/how did competition go/how's school etc, whatever is appropriate, you don't actually have to ask her to contact him, just throw his name into the convo when it fits!

madamtremain · 18/04/2015 15:12

He's obviously not bothered enough though is he?
That's what I meant about asking op what her motivation was. If she was hoping that through her contacting her dsd somehow it could save the relationship between the child and father than she may as well not waste her time as the two of them clearly don't care

yellowdaisies · 18/04/2015 16:52

Can you persuade your DP to get on Facebook? Social media is a great way of keeping up with busy teens.

BananaLeaf · 18/04/2015 21:11

He won't go on social media, more out of stubbornness now than anything else I think.
I find his attitude quite childish, in that he gets annoyed when she doesn't text back etc and gets a bit 'oh why do I bother'. I know he is genuinely hurt but he is the adult!
We invited her away at Easter but she couldn't come, she travels internationally to compete at weekends and is away again this weekend.
If I see she has won or whatever I tell him and he calls her.
I think I'll start messaging a bit more to actually keep up with what is going on myself!

OP posts:
madamtremain · 18/04/2015 21:51

I don't really understand why you want the relationship if he can't be bothered?

DameEdnasBridesmaid · 18/04/2015 22:05

Young people live their lives on social media in a way that is incomprehensible to some, including, by the sound of it your DH and mine too.

You are far more likely to get communication via social media from a busy 16 yard old than expecting telephone calls. - he may as well try carrier pigeon!

That said, he should continue to be the one to contact, whether he gets a response or not. EX was and is far to precious about DC's contacting him, can't seem to get through to him that he is the adult. They now couldn't give a shiny shit - his loss now.

Whereisegg · 19/04/2015 09:31

When he texts her, what sort of 'seeing her' is he asking for?

She seems to have moved beyond weekends at yours so if he's still asking for that he could try saying "how about I pick you up x evening for dinner" or "fancy a coffee sat afternoon in town"?

Hillfog · 19/04/2015 09:45

I would send little messages on FB and keep up with her life. I can go months without seeing or speaking to my dad as a grown up but because he set up a FB page (never posts anything, used a fake name, only 'friends' with his kids) he can log on and see grandkid pics, keep up with what we're all doing and not feel left out. Usually gives us stuff I talk about when we do meet up too. Not much else in common!!

PesoPenguin · 19/04/2015 16:11

I don't think it can do any harm, so go for it!

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