Dad Makes His Daughter Clean After Christmas Celebration As A Punishment For A Gift She Gave To Her Stepmother

Divorces are always tough, especially on the kids. Some people remain in dysfunctional marriages, and it is hard to say whether it is better than divorce.

The most common reason is the kids. However, children sense that something is wrong, and they can see what’s going on. Living in a dysfunctional family is also damaging to their well-being.

So, is it better to stay in a bad marriage or get a civilized divorce? The second option certainly sounds better, but is a civilized divorce attainable?

Most people would disagree. There are just too many emotions involved, and much of it is hatred.

This is especially true for marriages that ended due to adultery. However, there are some shining examples of two ex-spouses remaining on good terms for the sake of their children.

Sadly, there are not many such examples. Our story is about one couple whose separation clearly didn’t go well.

OP has a teenage daughter from his previous marriage who is not fond of her stepmother. She tends to act out and often displays passive-aggressive behavior, but her stepmother is lenient and doesn’t allow OP to take action.

This constant leniency has created an atmosphere where the teen doesn’t understand boundaries. She gave her stepmother a Christmas present that was simply awful.

OP asks:

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His current wife had breast cancer. He has a daughter from a previous marriage who doesn't like her very much. However, the new wife always forgave her for her misbehavior.

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His daughter decided to spend Christmas with them and gave her stepmother a present that was...

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OP decided to punish his daughter...

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Which she didn't like

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His daughter left angry, and then OP received a call from her mom and his former in-laws. Now he wants to know if he was wrong.

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Redditors mostly agree: NTA

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It was a vicious move

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And the ex-wife had something to do with it for sure...

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A lawyer shared his experiences...

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and some good advice.

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Redditors also shared their experiences:

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Children shouldn't be dragged into this...

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Never.

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Here is a good example of how things should work:

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It is all for the children's sake.

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And about the punishment...

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Not really a punishment...

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Maybe this is more appropriate:

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Because what she did was awful

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OP should've made her explain her reasoning

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This story has some gaps in it. First, why did OP and his ex-wife get a divorce?

Was the current wife the reason? Was he having an affair with her?

These details would provide better insight into this situation. But no matter what the grounds for divorce were, the daughter’s actions were simply awful.

Perhaps the stepmother’s forgiving attitude contributed to the teen’s total unawareness of the lines that shouldn’t be crossed. But then again, she is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong…

Some Redditors suggested that the mother had something to do with the present, and it is not hard to believe. Divorced parents often use their children as weapons in their conflicts.

This is incredibly damaging for children. If this is the case here, we hope they will stop.