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Step-parenting

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Step daughter very grabby and ignorant

39 replies

Isitorisntitxoxo · 09/10/2023 09:41

I've been with my DP for two years. He has three children, aged 22, 17 and a younger one. His eldest DD has ADHD which she rarely takes her medication for correctly. She predominantly lives with her mum, but will decide to go to her dads unannounced sometimes which means any plans we make get cancelled last minute. I just get on with this, as I understand kids always come first.

Over time however, I've really noticed that she would often prefer it to just be her and her dad, unless I'm paying for something, or offering rounds, or buying treats and takeaways. She is keen to have me in their company then. She is a student who lives in student accommodation, so I understand that her money is tight however, she has refused to get a part time job, and regularly seeks money off her parents. I'm saying this to demonstrate it isn't just me she expects to pay for things.

We went out recently and her dad asked her to nip over to the bar to order some drinks, the look of horror on her face was astounding as she thought her dad was asking her to buy a round, as opposed to putting it on the tab. She always hints for things, or gets in a mood if her dad won't buy her a £200 hairdryer for example.

She came out with us recently, with a bill resulting in £147 for three of us. It was only supposed to be lunch and a drink or two. £74 was hers, as she ordered a starter, main, three sides, dessert and cocktails. Most of which she picked at and left. I don't want to say anything, as it's not my place, and her dad really plays on the ADHD thing, stating she isn't great in social situations, or with other people. This is because I told him no matter how hard I try to make conversation with her, she really just isn't interested. Unless I have a birthday gift, or am paying for something, or is with us when I pop to a shop etc.

I always comment nice comments on her social media, or make a point of shouting hello in the background when she calls her dad, but quite often I get snubbed. It's to the point now where I'm really struggling to want to make the effort with her. My DP asked me to go out with them next week, but I just feel like what the point? As soon as her dad leaves the table, or the bill is paid, that's where her interest in me really seems to end.

AIBU to not really wish to bother so much in future? Just sit back and hope she'll either come round or everything will get better if I don't bother with her. I've never been one to force myself on someone, I simply make the effort for her dad. I would like a relationship with her though, as she is obviously an important person to her dad.

OP posts:
DeeLusional · 23/01/2024 09:57

Nothing any SM can do about a guilty man indulging his children from his previous marriage.

TempleOfBloom · 23/01/2024 10:04

I wouldn’t be shouting hello in the background when she is on the phone to her Dad. She’s talking to her Dad. It’s a private conversation. It can come across as territorial.

ORLt · 24/01/2024 09:33

Don't waste your time on her, she is un-mendable, but I doubt it is the money, you just resent her for being her. If she were your own and snubbing you, you would have found a million explanations and been OK with it, it is just that nobody cares about others' children. Wicked stepmother stories are not plucked out of thin air, but that is OK, it is biologically natural not to care about progeny which is not your own.

Bikesandbees · 24/01/2024 14:52

I have ADHD. It doesn’t explain being demanding and selfish and shouldn’t be used as an excuse.

Nantescalling · 21/02/2024 23:36

I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, you are being very patient! Long term, I wouldn't know the best way to handle her but first and foremost, II think you should make use of this non compliance on the ADHD meds by making it her Dad's responsibility. She might even be half a human being once on meds. I hope so !

Isitorisntitxoxo · 24/02/2024 09:48

Just catching up on this thread. We are no longer together, he left me and went back to his ex partner of whom he separated from nearly four years previously. I wish them all well and am glad to not have to deal with their behaviour.

OP posts:
ShakeNvacStevens · 24/02/2024 10:10

@Isitorisntitxoxo Thanks for the update OP, sounds like you are well rid.

Redlarge · 24/02/2024 10:19

I have ADHD but im not a grabby twat. He needs to have a word and set some boundaries. She knows what she can get away with.

Redlarge · 24/02/2024 10:20

OliveToboogie · 22/01/2024 22:09

She sounds rude, spoilt and indulged. Give it a few years and her dad will be wondering why she can't keep a relationship and why she is unpopular with others.....because he is condoning her poor behaviour.

This. Ive seen it with my friends daughter. I dont believe she will ever hold a job down. People get fed up with her way or the highway.

Isitorisntitxoxo · 24/02/2024 10:22

She does have many similarities to her dad in honesty. Luckily his ex/now his girlfriend again (not her mum though) has deep pockets to keep them all in whatever they want. Farewell and good luck to them. My bank balance has been significantly higher since he left.

OP posts:
WillYouPutYourCoatOn · 24/02/2024 10:34

They all sound like poncers to be honest, he's certainly got a "type" of walking wallet woman he likes hasn't he.

Don't look back OP. Congratulations on your new freedom!

ftp · 24/02/2024 14:48

Lucky escape. Good luck for your future

Ewoklady · 24/02/2024 14:51

a welcome escape for sure- you sound too good for them

wizzywig · 24/02/2024 15:03

Oh wow, what happened? Was there a row?

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