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Step-parenting

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Had enough of Disney DP and DSD

133 replies

Greyskiesaregonnaclearup · 25/02/2022 09:17

Posting as I'm at my wits end with the situation and ready to throw in the towel. Been with DP for 6 years, all moved in together 2 years ago. Things have been bumpy at times, although Covid hasn't helped, but on the whole things have been good.

The biggest problem is DSD12. We have 3 kids between us, her, my DD11 and his other DD10. His oldest DD goes through phases where she makes it clear she doesn't like me, doesn't want me around and ignores me as much as possible. It used to bother me but now I just take a step back and leave her to it. It's not worth the argument, she's very much the golden child for DP, who never sees anything she does as wrong and won't discipline her or actually parent her. I should probably add that I wasn't around when DP and his ex split, so have no history in their breakup.

Things have come to a head this half term. DSD has a violent streak, which DP is aware of but again has never tackled. I went out to pick up dinner and when the kids went to bed, my DD was upset about something. She said DSD punched her in the shoulder while I was out, but she didn't tell DP because he wouldn't believe her (her words) and because DSD told her she was a snitch if she did. She cried and now has a bruise.

There is form for this, DSD has hit out before but does it when the adults aren't around And as DP ignores it (and gets shitty if I try to discipline) she gets away with it. There is also form when my DD has told DP and me she's been hit and he makes excuses. DSD also hits her sister DSD10 and gets away with that too.

To further complicate things, I have a high conflict ex who takes me to court at the drop of a hat to try to remove custody of DD (last year it was twice, the second time he accused DP of attacking me which isnt true). So if my ex finds out DSD has hit DD he would happily use that as an excuse to withhold her from me if he can.

I tried to speak to DP about what had happened, in a way that was non accusatory as I knew he wouldn't like it, and he blew it at me anyway. Accused me of hounding DSD, who apparently is having a tough time at school and failing classes (this was the first I'd heard of this) and flipped it on its head like it was all my fault.

I'm so upset. We havnt spoken for two days except for him to have a go at me again yesterday that I was ruining his time off work and time with his kids. DSD is visibly happy that there's been a row, and has taken my spot next to her dad at all times, which he thinks is nice as 'she sees that daddy is upset'.

I cant take it anymore. I have my own home that is currently rented out and the tenancy is ending soon, so I could move back home with DD and remove us from this. I love DP but this isn't working and I don't see a way to make it better. There are so many things wrong here and I feel so down. Does anyone have any advice please?

OP posts:
TooMuchPaper · 25/02/2022 09:22

Move back to your own house.

Doidontimmm · 25/02/2022 09:23

Please move your child away from this situation

FelicityPike · 25/02/2022 09:26

Move back to your own house and dump him!

Troublesometooth · 25/02/2022 09:27

Move away. This isn’t going to get any better.

Hoppinggreen · 25/02/2022 09:28

Move out
This will never change and you need to protect your own children

Moonface123 · 25/02/2022 09:31

It is so much easier having your own space, l would definately move back, maybe when kids are older and more independant might work out better.

SeasonFinale · 25/02/2022 09:31

Yes I am afraid he will never change. I know your may feel like DSD has won and gotten her way but the reality is it is making you miserable and not pleasant/safe for your DD.

Move back into your home. If he wants to make it work he can "court" you again if you want to see if the relationship would work still but that would be up to you. The shock that you are not prepared to put up with it may be enough but it may not.

pinkyredrose · 25/02/2022 09:31

Definitely move back home!

MostlyHappyMummy · 25/02/2022 09:32

How would you feel living somewhere you were being attacked and nobody was helping or preventing it?

Eloise666 · 25/02/2022 09:37

Move back; very lucky that your place is becoming vacant just at the right time!

MichelleScarn · 25/02/2022 09:37

Move back, your ex will find out re dd being assaulted by the 12 yo, as am sure she'll tell him, so you can prove you're placing her first with leaving.

KosherDill · 25/02/2022 09:38

@MostlyHappyMummy

How would you feel living somewhere you were being attacked and nobody was helping or preventing it?

This. Your child is in a miserable situation.

Authenticcelestialmusic · 25/02/2022 09:40

Leave. It’s not worth it. He doesn’t listen, won’t try and make changes. So you need to make the change.

Watch him promise the earth when you say you are leaving. Don’t fall for it.

JohannSebastianBach · 25/02/2022 09:42

Leave. Just leave.

Millicent2022 · 25/02/2022 09:42

100%

Put your daughter first and move out ASAP . You will lose her if you stay

Good luck OP c

MadeForThis · 25/02/2022 09:44

Move. He won't change. The violence against dd will probably get worse as there are currently no consequences.

AskingforaBaskin · 25/02/2022 09:45

Tell him the reason she is having trouble in school is because he's created a grade A Twat. I'd also absolutely bollock his DSD.

You need to leave. Your Ex would not be wrong to want to remove your Daughter from a home where she is abused and is not being protected.

00100001 · 25/02/2022 09:45

Leave him.

DefaultParent · 25/02/2022 09:46

Leave. But whilst your in the process of leaving tell her and Daddy he must supervise her at all times. If she cannot be trusted to act like a decent human being and wants to behave like a toddler then she should be treat like one and bit be left unattended.

Jajajaj · 25/02/2022 09:47

Get out for your sanity and for your daughters sake. He’s not going to change sadly.

Morgan12 · 25/02/2022 09:47

This is really unfair on your daughter. Imagine your ex got wind of this? Imagine he gets custody?

Leave. Like right now.

dontgiveahoot · 25/02/2022 09:50

Dump him. You are in a much better position than many with your rental property becoming vacant soon - grab that opportunity with both hands!

ThisMustBeMyDream · 25/02/2022 09:53

I'd leave, but also report it to the police so that he can't bury his head and create a monster. Think of it as a public service. She is 12, older than the age of criminal responsibility. If her father won't parent her, then the state will have to step in.

ThisMustBeMyDream · 25/02/2022 09:53

It also shows if your ex tries the court route again that you took action to protect your child by taking the official route.

AnneLovesGilbert · 25/02/2022 09:54

Leave as quickly as you can. And once you’ve told him you’ve got nothing to lose by telling him horrible child to cut it out. Your daughter is learning everything about life and relationships from you and it’s already gone on too long if she’s been putting up with this bullying for two years.

Is his ex as useless? Can you tell her how much her younger DD is being picked on?

You might love him but he doesn’t seem to even like you, or your DD, or his other DD!