I remembered this from a 12-step meeting ages ago...that there are often a lot of animals in dysfunctional families. Why? The kids receive love, unconditional at that. Her screen name says 'Roxy loves me', not 'I love Roxy'.

Another trait of DFs is that the child winds up having to act as a parent or an adult, the responsible one. She has said she could never leave because her mom needs her. What about what BRI needs?

I hope when Bri returns to school she will see the school counsellor, and find out that the behaviour she puts up with is not normal or loving (although her mom loves her, I am sure), and that it affects her badly.

Bri - we learn from our parents. If you ever have kids, you will treat them the way your mom treats you. The only way to prevent that is to start changing yourself now. The school counsellors are there to help, to talk to - and they don't gossip (it's against the law).

You deserve better, the best. Go for it.

hugs