Am I right to walk out?

[PRJC79]

Good evening,

We are having huge issues with my misses 12 year old daughter as previously documented.

She has no respect for me and constantly plays her mum against me she will happily let me pay for everything but still treat me like a piece of poo on her shoe.

On top of this her mum and I have not had any sexual relations for about 18 months.

I really don't want to be they guy that walks away, as her dad walked always when she was born. But I am so unhappy at the moment I am really confused what s best for them and me.

[PRJC79]

My misses had been sleeping with daughter in the lounge for the last week because she sent pics of herself to two males in the year.

[RandomMess]

Why does that mean they are sleeping in the lounge...

Surely confiscating phone and turning off wiifi more helpful? As well as discussing with her exactly where those photos will turn up!

[PRJC79]

We have talked about it and daughter and misses thought it was best. Have had enough. Feel like I am in the dark all the time and am only bring used.

[flow4]

I'm sorry you're so unhappy, PRJC. It's hard to advise because only you know what's going on here... But I would say this...

Be careful about scapegoating your step-daughter for the problems in your relationship with her mum. For me, big alarm bells ring when you say "On top of this her mum and I have not had any sexual relations for about 18 months". This can't possibly be the fault or responsibility of a twelve year old; it's for the two adults to sort out - or not.

What you describe is an insecure child who's jealous of the attention her mum gives you, and who is terrified it means she's going to lose her mum, so is fighting to keep her attention. That's natural. And it's not her fault that her tactics are working. In fact, it will probably be making her feel more insecure and afraid, because when her mum 'gives in' to her manipulation, she is (unintentionally) giving the girl the message "mum feels guilty so girl must be right" ... To feel safe and secure, she really needs you and her mum to work together to show her there is no competition between her and you, and no chance at all, ever, of you 'stealing' her mum from her.

Teenagers are hard work. If she's only 12, the chances are, her behaviour is going to get worse before it gets better. You and your partner need to work out how to deal with any bad behaviour together - or maybe rather, work out whether you actually can - and not blame her if you can't.

It's difficult being a step-parent. Sometimes I feel I have only continued to 'stand by' my challenging teenage son because he's my son. If you don't have that 'blood loyalty' I don't know how you manage. Good luck.