10-year-old in Dad's Bed
Emma wrote:
I spend a few days each week at my fiancé's house, and he has
a daughter who is almost 10.
The problem is, she often claims she cannot sleep at night, and goes
into her Dad's bed. He always allows her, and never even tells her to
go back to her own room. She does this regardless of whether I'm there
or not. She is an only child and is used to getting her way.
I would like to talk to him about this because obviously I don't like
it. His daughter gets on extremely well with me (and I with her). How
can I bring up the subject without hurting anyone?
submit: Send to Ask Anon
Dear Emma
This is a very serious matter.
First, it is (at best) a weird thing to happen in this day and age
- most odd that neither of them have considered the effects.
It is certainly not in the child's best interest, however innocent.
Also, it suggests that the daughter resents your visits, and your
man either has failed to notice - or is failing to build the relationship.
You might consider why.
You say you get on with her; and that's fine - but she appears to
be saying that you have limits, and she has control.
I don't often strongly advise, but where children are concerned,
there's no room for such serious doubts.
I think you need to discuss this with him, and you need to stop
staying over until he has convinced you that the matter is settled.
Silence is not an option for you; you need to speak up.
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