Caregivers in mixed families are likely to have different perspectives on childrearing. Colleen’s husband continues to provide financial support to his 19-year-old daughter, who is expecting a child and already has two. Colleen, on the other hand, believes her stepdaughter should not be spoiled and must learn to accept responsibility for her actions. This discrepancy in parenting styles led to a terrible incident, which Colleen has shared with us.
Colleen’s letter:
My 19 y.o. stepdaughter has 2 kids and is pregnant again, the dads are unknown. She counts on her dad to bankroll her life. I said, “If you can’t put her in line, I will!”
I took all the money from our shared savings and secretly bought a flat. A few days later, I enter our bedroom, to my horror, I find all my clothes packed in boxes.
My husband had left a note beside them that read, “If you’re so determined to make decisions on your own, then you can live on your own too-in the new flat you bought!”
Later that day, I received a horrific call from my stepdaughter. She said, “You can’t expect my dad to turn his back on his only daughter!” and then she hung up. I am shattered.
I did this to protect both our interests from his useless daughter, and I don’t deserve to be treated this way. It’s been a few days, and I haven’t moved out, but he refuses to talk to me. Can you please advise me?
