Dad Doesn't Want To Let Daughter Move Back In Because She Chose To Live With Mom When She Was 10

We're back at it again today with another Reddit post that we'll be looking into. This Reddit post is from the AITB thread, which we often examine because of how interesting the posts can be and how people respond to them in the comments, which is the most entertaining part.

With that being said, we are looking at a post today that was submitted by a dad who wants to know if he is the buttface for not allowing his daughter to move back in with him because she decided to live with her mother instead. However, one important detail to note is that the daughter made this choice when she was ten years old, and the dad says it's been six years since then.

Many expect the dad to welcome his daughter back with open arms because she is his daughter, and it also seems that his current wife is on the daughter's side, believing that he should take her in. Of course, it's a touchy situation, and it is unfortunate that they are in it.

OP told us the full story, so if you're interested in seeing the complete post, keep on reading as we dive in and give you a full look at the post and all of the comments that people left on it.

OP starts off by giving us the earlier details of their situation first.

This is when he gets into the details of how it was to be with his daughter when she lived with him and how she treated people.

Understanding the Emotional Dynamics

This situation reflects the complex emotional dynamics often seen in divorced families. Dr. Emily Roberts, a clinical psychologist from Stanford, notes that children caught between parents can experience loyalty conflicts, leading to complicated relationships with each parent.

Research indicates that children may internalize feelings of guilt or shame about their living arrangements, impacting their self-esteem and sense of belonging.

It's crucial for parents to understand these dynamics to foster a healthier environment for their children, emphasizing open communication and emotional validation.

I think I would have given up too, honestly, or looked for some kind of intervention.

This is when she comes back to her dad to see if she can stay with him after everything.

In situations like this, the concept of parental alienation may come into play. Studies show that when one parent feels rejected, they might unintentionally distance the child from the other parent.

This can create long-term relational issues for the child, as they may struggle with trust and attachment in future relationships.

Therapeutic interventions focusing on family dynamics can help counteract these effects, promoting healthier interactions.

He made his decision and stuck by it, even telling his daughter that she couldn't come live with him.

Obviously, their relationship is really strained, and we totally understand after everything they've been through.

Dr. Karen K. Chen, a developmental psychologist, emphasizes the importance of emotional coaching for children in these situations. Her research highlights that children need to learn how to express their feelings constructively.

Parents can facilitate this by modeling healthy emotional expression and validating their child's feelings, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Ultimately, these skills will serve the child well into adulthood, influencing how they navigate relationships.

We are kind of with the wife here, but also you never know how his daughter will show up.

We understand OP's POV because the daughter was capable of a lot at ten, so we can imagine at sixteen.

We truly feel that OP should have at least gotten his daughter professional help, and we hope that if he finds that she's still behaving this way, he does that as well. She probably has a lot of trauma, but she definitely needs her dad right now, especially if her mom went to jail.

He finally added an edit to tell us what happened with his wife and what their decision was regarding his daughter.

Practical Recommendations for Families

To mitigate these effects, it's essential for parents to engage in family therapy. According to research published in the Journal of Family Psychology, therapy can help parents understand their child's perspective while improving communication.

Additionally, maintaining a consistent routine and shared activities can strengthen family bonds, regardless of living arrangements.

Encouraging open dialogue about feelings and experiences will also support the child's emotional health, allowing for better relational outcomes.

Of course, his wife expected him to act that way, but if she doesn't understand what he went through, then she can't say anything.

He even admitted that his wife said many of the things that people were saying in the post comments.

It sounds like they finally came to some sort of agreement.

People immediately came to the comments and told the dad that he was actually the buttface here because of how he acted.

weird_cactus_mom

It truly does seem like everyone was saying that OP is the buttface here.

angeljumps

Oof, well if this is real, then this comment definitely hit OP like a ton of bricks.

LinusV1

We agree that getting her professional help would have been the best thing here, for sure.

livieluv

Psychological Analysis

This scenario illustrates the complex emotional landscape that children navigate during parental separation. It’s common for children to feel torn between their parents, often leading to feelings of guilt and confusion.

Recognizing these patterns can help parents create a more supportive environment, allowing their children to process their emotions openly.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, understanding the psychological impact of parental relationships on children is vital for fostering emotional health. Research indicates that children thrive in environments where they feel safe and heard.

By addressing these dynamics thoughtfully, parents can help their children develop healthier relationships and self-concepts.