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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

19 yr old daughter very difficult

77 replies

user1483533879 · 04/01/2017 14:26

My 19yr old is causing me and my husband a lot of grief right now. She's been reletavely good till the last year. Now she's getting to the point where we would like her to move out. She has this on off boyfriend for three years. He went away to uni and doesn't want to know her when he's away and picks her back up when he's home again. She is totally under his spell. She's wanting to stay overnight at his house and her father doesn't want her to. I think she's been looking for an excuse as the other day I was out and my husband had a massive argument with her which resulted in her running out of the house. When I came home she came back packed some clothes and went straight to him and stayed there for three days. Husband told me to tell her if she didn't come back home he would ask her to leave permanently. So she came back yesterday. Got showered and went out with this guy till 5am. I know she's 19 she's an adult but my husband is going nuts thinking the worst that he's using her. They are not talking at all. My daughter is totally avoiding her dad. They are both very stubborn so neither will give in. The house has such a bad vibe. I feel like packing a bag and going to my mother's. Anyone been through this and can give me some advice. I'm at the end of my rope with this situation now.

OP posts:
user1483533879 · 05/01/2017 17:58

I do not want her to move out unless she expresses a desire to then I would fully back her. I don't think my post is contradicting. It's clear what I'm saying in that I have an over controlling dh and a dd who is trying to find her own way. If I'm totally honest and could get MY way. I would want dh to be less controlling with her and dd to be more respecting of us. But I can't do that on my own so unless they are both prepared to compromise I don't see how this will end. I just feel useless in the whole situation. Whatever I suggest just falls on deaf ears.

OP posts:
rogueantimatter · 06/01/2017 09:56

TBH I think it's often, maybe usually difficult when young adults who have left school are still living at home. My DS will probably take up an offer to study in our home city next year. He's planning to stay at home for at least the first year which I'm fine with as it's sensible to save money, but his DH and I are clear that for the good of his own development he should move out in term time by his third year at the latest.

His DS has a student flat in town and it's great for all of us - she comes home once a week in term time for dinner and stays overnight. Sometimes I see her at the weekend. She texts and fb messages - lots of photos of food she has cooked.

Your DD clearly isn't happy living at home. If you can afford it, it will make life so much easier.

user1483533879 · 06/01/2017 12:36

Now I really don't know what to do. Dd went to the bf last night and didn't come home her usual time of 4.30am. I woke this morning and she didn't come home. I had a text at 4am to say she was staying out and would deal with her father when she got home. My dh was awake most of the night irritated and got up very early this morning. When I talked to him he had such a fight with me. He says that she is not listening regarding some house rules. She's ignoring everything we ask of her. She took his car and he needed it this morning. He says that if she doesn't stop staying at this boy's house overnight she has to leave our home. He feels the boy is ridiculing us by flaunting sleeping with our dd when he knows dh feelings on this. Dh says if he didn't drop her when he came home from uni and totally forget she exists he wouldn't be so angry. But he hates seeing her being used and as he feels me and him ridiculed. So when she finally gets home there will be another fight and I can't take much more of them fighting. I have stated my view to my dh. I do not share the same view regarding trying to tell her where to go etc. All I've asked of her is some respect and some help around the home. But ofcourse as I'm not in total
Agreement with my dh I'm the bad guy too.

OP posts:
aginghippy · 06/01/2017 12:44

If dd says she will deal with her father when she gets home, I would just leave her to it.

Any chance you could just happen to be out when dd comes home? Something you urgently need at the shop? Dog needs walking? If their fighting upsets you, no need to hang around and witness it.

rogueantimatter · 06/01/2017 12:52

Oh no - this sounds so stressful.

I think your DH is probably forgetting or unaware that young adults don't do things specifically to disrespect their parents. Their brains are still developing and they become very thoughtless and self-centred. There is simply no point in rowing over her staying out all night. Taking the car is a different matter.

Your DH needs to respect your wish to have a peaceful home though.

Honestly, help her to move out in term time - she can do what she likes without your DH and you seeing it. Everyone will be happier. If finances are an issue perhaps you could take her off the car insurance and no longer fund holidays for her - that should cover a few months rent.

Mamia15 · 06/01/2017 12:53

Bloody hell.

Its 2017.

She is 19.

At least she is respecting her father's views by staying away when she wants to spend time with her BF instead of using your home.

Her choice of BF is probably down to her upbringing. Stop alienating her otherwise she will feel unable to come to you if things go wrong. The more you both push her away, the more she will withdraw and stay away.

You are putting your precious relationship with DD in jeopardy by treating her like a child, insisting on draconian rules, talking about showing her respect when you don't even respect her choices. Start treating her like an adult and is more likely to act like one.

rogueantimatter · 06/01/2017 13:00

This is what I mean about your DH being unreasonable to expect her to live by his values. Her relationship is no reflection on him.

user1483533879 · 06/01/2017 13:04

I cannot make dh see anyone's else's point but his own. It's impossible trying to explain alternate suggestions. He just goes on the attack if I do. I really think these two need to sort out this problem between them. I'm not shirking away from the problem. I'm in agreement that she should do as she pleases re the bf. My gripe is to respect what she has at home.

OP posts:
Notso · 06/01/2017 13:07

I think all your husband is doing is pushing her towards her boyfriend.
While I appreciate you want her to behave like an adult before she is treated as such but I really think you need to start treating her like one in order for this to happen, that includes no longer completely funding her lifestyle.

rogueantimatter · 06/01/2017 13:13

Yes - refuse to listen to either of them complaining about the other. Tell them you deserve better than their unacceptable behaviour and take yourself off somewhere nice for the weekend!

titchy · 06/01/2017 13:26

Actually I think you and your dh are almost entirely to blame for this. Her relationship role models have been you two - the man in the relationship shouts and dominates and gets his own way, while the female in the relationship kow-tows to the man for an easy life. Is it any wonder she's allowing the bf to call all the shots and treat her like shit when what her parents do to each other?

And even now you're wanting to leave the house, and leave them to it because your dh doesn't listen to you when you tell him he is being ridiculous. And on one level your dd knows you are a doormat (because her dad treats you like one) so she treats you like shit too.

(I have to say her taking the car was absolutely bang out of order though.)

Peebles1 · 06/01/2017 13:45

Oh dear, this does sound awfully stressful for you. I sympathise as have frequently been piggy in the middle with DD (now 18, away at uni) and DH. He is also an old fashioned type, though not as much as your DH sounds (sorry!). We/they fell out over the years about short school skirts, make up at school, not working at school, sex at 16 (in a 2 year relationship!), more recently an unsuitable bf (he was, mind!) and tattoos. Such fun! So yes, I've been where you are. They get on OK now though. I have to admit it probably helps that she's living away during term time, but things did improve last year when she was still home.

I had lots of talks with both of them, individually. Talks, not rows. Catch your DH at a good time, make him see reason. He surely knows, whatever his beliefs, that most teens are having sex at 19 and a heck of a lot younger. Her bf isn't flaunting it in his face, he's just being normal. Maybe you could get him to see and accept this? My DH also used to get angry about her attitude and not helping much about the house, and I could see his point but she wasn't going to have a good attitude when she hated him, quite frankly! I know she's 19 but he still holds the power. She's still in 'child' role in some ways, so I think it's up to him to 'give' first. To my DD's credit she often acted the adult first, and he responded well, but I think it should be him ideally who 'makes the first move' in making peace. He must love her, and he must love you, work on that when you're discussing things with him. Surely he would like a better relationship with her?

If the chips are down though, bugger him and back her. That's what I did. Not about stuff like housework or nicking the car, obviously, but the bigger stuff. He was fine with me, and distant with her. But over time he backed down. What's the worst that can happen? He'll sulk for days? So what? I keep reminding him she's a young adult and her choices aren't purposely to get at him, and she's also very like him and that's why they clash. And also THINGS COULD BE A HELL OF A LOT WORSE!! He should look at the positives.

As for DD, I told her we'd back off and let her have her freedom. Everything improved from that point. We relaxed. She relaxed. The helping at home started to happen. We got her back, basically, and she eventually dumped the bad news, abusive bf.

One last thing I once did was on impulse take them both out for tea and say things were awful at home and we couldn't go on like this and what were we going to do? What bothers him (let him speak). What bothers her (let her speak). What can they do (and me) to improve things?

Sorry for the long post! Good luck Flowers

misshelena · 06/01/2017 14:07

DH is being crazy self-important! The bf is not jerking DD around to "ridicule" your DH. He is doing it because he wants to and because DD let's him!
I wish DH would listen to you.. but you've probably lost all credibility in his eyes after submitting to him all these years. You know this bf is hurting DD massively already and will continue to hurt her. You can't stop her from seeing him. What she needs is for you and her dad to be there for her when she is hurt and to give her advice that she can actually bring herself to consider (obviously leaving bf is out of the question right now :( )

But DD taking the car and leaving her dad stranded is not acceptable. I think it would be appropriate punishment for her to lose access to the car for a while.

misshelena · 06/01/2017 14:09

So sorry you are going through this OP. Hang in there! Your DD needs you. And remember, she loves you. And her dad too, even if she "hates" him now.

rogueantimatter · 06/01/2017 14:47

Great idea to take them out for dinner.

But if that doesn't work - go away for the weekend. Seriously. They're both hurting you as well as each other.

Also it might be worth pointing out to your DH that your DD does continue to come home after she's been to visit her BF, so it sounds like she is trying to please him at some level. Does the bf come to your home? If he isn't welcome then your DD doesn't have any option but to go to his home if she wants to see him.

twattymctwatterson · 06/01/2017 15:08

He literally has an issue with his adult daughter having sex with a long term partner. At best he sees her as a possession. At worst it's a lot more creepy. Honestly he sounds unpleasant

user1483533879 · 06/01/2017 15:20

I could bang both their heads together. She's walked back on with a nasty attitude. They confronted each other. He's said I don't think you should be here if you are going to be like this. She's said she doesn't want to be near him anyway. He's told her if she moves out she learns what it's like to be a grown up and gets a job to pay her rent and bills. That's impossible as we live in a high rental area. She's coming out with me now for a couple of hours. Coming back here picking clothes up and going. She will stay with the bf until he goes back to uni next week. Then I have no idea what she will do. All I know is that I'm her mother and I cannot see her on the streets. But dh holds the money so what money I have won't cover any rent she needs to find.

OP posts:
titchy · 06/01/2017 15:48

Great . So he is financially and emotionally abusing both his wife and daughter. LTB?

If she's a student she'll be entitled to a maintenance loan, and should get in contact with her uni accommodation office on Monday for advice and look for a student flat share.

Fairylea · 06/01/2017 15:54

What do you mean dh "holds the money"? That sounds incredibly controlling. Do you have access to all family money and equal spending money? If not I would say the dd isn't the only one being controlled....

AgathaF · 06/01/2017 16:01

I cannot make dh see anyone's else's point but his own. It's impossible trying to explain alternate suggestions - your DD has two parents, not just the domineering father. Your opinion is valid too.

Your latest post really shows him in his true colours. His rules or out. His money so do what he says. You're married so it's family money. You have just as much right to say what it is spent on as him.

pseudonymph · 06/01/2017 16:34

Your 'D'H has a problem with your DD having sex at 19? And his main issue is not that your DD may be suffering from the BF's hot and cold behaviour but that her BF is 'ridiculing' HIM???

The thing is though that you are complicit in this situation - your DD has to fight with your H because you won't. Despite the fact that he is horribly controlling and it sounds like he has been all her life - what you say about him being fine with her until she started to have opinions of her own is very telling. She probably doesn't want to have to be a 'tiger', and I very much doubt that she finds 'locking horns' with him amusing. Your desire for peace doesn't make you an innocent bystander; it's part of the whole dysfunctional family dynamic.

I imagine this is not an easy time for you to be dealing with further family troubles and it sounds like you may need protection from your H too. But I doubt you'll resolve your DD's (disrespectful) behaviour by laying down the law - you need to address the root of the issue, which appears to be your H and your longterm capitulation to him.

pseudonymph · 06/01/2017 16:36

Or failing that, at least to give her some space from it. I would definitely be encouraging her to find a new house share if I were you.

user1483533879 · 06/01/2017 16:54

She's packed some clothes and is heading backwards to the bf. She doesn't want to be here. She's looking at accommodation nearby. I'm looking to help her too. I don't want her to go but I can't see her this unhappy. I'm waiting for dh to start on me for helping her find somewhere to live. Let him. I'm ready for him. It's just a shame this will be damaging our marriage too. But she's my child and I'm always going to put her before him. Whatever happens.

OP posts:
AgathaF · 06/01/2017 19:28

Good - as you should.

FannyCradock · 06/01/2017 20:17

Bloody hell, you and your dd should both leave this controlling, bullying twat.