How do you manage the summer holidays? (don't want to look after DSD!)

[stepmothersknockers]

Hi - how do you manage the summer hols?

I'll be taking most of my annual leave to look after my DSDs. DH cannot get so much annual leave.

The trouble is that DSD is a typical teen, doesn't really do what I say (don't blame her!) but also won't leave the house at all, so I will really need to look after her all the time.

I want to spend some time just with my DSDs, but it doesn't look possible. :( I just want to be able to take them out and do the sorts of mummy things that I usually do with them, without DSD taking over. She does like to be the center of attention (has been an only child most of her life) and everything tends to revolve around her.

I am really feeling sad about the summer holidays already. I feel as though I will be wasting all my annual leave looking after DSD and not having any quality time with my own girls. Is there anything I can do?

The OP has said she spends more one-on-one time with her DSD than her own DDs. This isn't fair on her OR her DD's and she can't be chastised for wanting to rectify this, it's only natural!

If her DSD finds this hard to accept, her parents (or parent in the singular if the other is unable / unavailable) need to find a way to fill the gap. OP can't be expected to take responsibility.

I agree the kindest thing to do would be to help DSD find some interests of her own but if she refuses to get a job, go to a course, join a group or make friends then it's not the OP's job to fill the gap. To be honest if my own 16 year old DD was hanging around the house all summer, refusing to do anything and for no good reason, I wouldn't encourage or reward that behaviour by taking her on days out and holidays instead! I'd put my foot down!

I do think the DSD should be treated equally to the other 2 DDs. With the way the OP has written it sounds like DSD is in the way. No wonder she is behaving like she is. Grow up OP and treat your DSD like an equal member of your family. Demand that your OH get much more involved.