[QUOTE]Originally posted by catnapper
[B]

"As for hubby, I suppose I should explain that his fear is making her feel that he also abandoned her. He thinks if he takes my side, then in her mind he has abandoned her. He's desperately afraid to take sides"


It's not a case of taking sides for or against your step-daughter - its showing a united front when it comes to the sort of behaviour that you and her Dad expect from her. Easy to say, I know, and virtually impossible to get through to a stubborn stepkid! Echoing what a lot of PT ers have already said, she is a very lucky girl to have you looking out for her and one day she will appreciate you for it (even if its not until her kids are putting her through the same thing)!

I would say that you must make time for you - an hour or so with a friend away from the house where you can concentrate on enjoying yourself........there were times when it was that hour with my mates that kept me sane and step-daughter still breathing!!!