I am the proud parent of an eight year old highly emotional little girl who has been a handful since my wife and I seperated 2 months ago. My daughter and her step mother have never really gotten along in the three years that we were together. For that reason I am stumped as to why everything from homework to chores has now become a major battle where as before I never had to ask twice. Any ideas?

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Originally posted by me2207:
[qb]I am the proud parent of an eight year old highly emotional little girl who has been a handful since my wife and I seperated 2 months ago. My daughter and her step mother have never really gotten along in the three years that we were together. For that reason I am stumped as to why everything from homework to chores has now become a major battle where as before I never had to ask twice. Any ideas?[/qb]

I can only say one thing, confusion. I am a separated dad with an 18 month old with Jackie and she has 2 others ( a 9 yo boy and 5 yo girl) both from different dads. I was with her for 3 years and was more of a dad to those kids than their own. She has since left with them. I see them every once ina while when I'm getting my son, but the other 2 have been "off the chain" since we spilt. My therapist said a little separation anxiety and confusion of things being different. At that age, the are very succeptable to these feelings. Spend as much "quality time" as you can with her, tell her you'll help her if needed because she may not be able to concentrate as she once did. Some children even develop ADHD from these experiences. This post tramatic stress disorder is no different than our soldiers in Vietnam. Counseling and as much love as you can muster, be the best dad you can, and you can honestly say you've done the best you can!

Good luck!

Jamie