Dealing With Dad's GF


I just moved in with my dad a few months ago and he has a "girlfriend." He is dating her but can be really rude about it. The real problem is that I don't like her. At all. I wish she would move out but she has a little girl with him.


All the little girl ever does is complain and scream and cry. Once the baby starts crying my dad's GF yells at her. I also am underweight and depressed and have attention problems but no one notices my issues. I just act like every thing is OK, when it's not. How can I make this situation better?


Hey babe,

It must really hurt to be a in a household where you can’t be yourself. I had a friend who had to live with a stepmother who she couldn’t relate to and she also had ADD. Even though she had ADD, she was open about her problems with it so that her stepmother and everyone who had to deal with her could try to understand her better. Even though this is a very sticky sitch, you can get through this.


First, you might want to try keeping a diary to deal with all your bottled up emotions. Whether it’s about stressful Algebra HW or the times your dad’s girlfriend said something that angered you, just get it all out in ink. You'll let go of some stress and be able to better organize your thoughts.


Next, find a time where you can talk to your dad alone. Since you wrote all of your feelings out in a diary, your thoughts are all organized and you know exactly what to say to your dad. Tell him how you feel about your current living situation, his GF and your other problems. Also, be respectful with what your dad has to say as well and be a patient listener. After you and your dad have a one-on-one then ask him to mediate a conversation between you and his girlfriend. When you are able to talk about your feelings, you three will find a solution to these problems.


And please see a guidance counselor or a trusted teacher at your school as well. It’s hard enough having a diff living sitch but to be depressed, underweight and to have attention issues must make you feel even more alone, scared and insecure. Your mental and physical health should be taken care of ASAP. You can definitely vent to a BFF about all your issues, but it would be best to bring the serious stuff to an adult. Remember that there are a lot of people in your life who care about you and who are always willing to be a shoulder to cry on. Good luck, babe. I know you can beat this!


Hugs, Sherryn D.

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POSTED IN ,

4/11/2009 7:00:00 AM
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