C2H: I think you are doing pretty good. Your issues with D13 are the same issues we all go through. Listening is great but sometimes we do have to lecture and dictate - it's all about being the parent. I doubt any of us could say we were perfect parents all the time - sometimes we were tired or stressed - we just did the best we could.
As for the issues with Ex W - your email to her was totally appropriate. She DOES need to communicate these things with you. I'm pretty impressed that you have thought ahead about budgeting for braces for both girls - you are ahead of the game.
As for the adult acne - seeing a dr is the right way to go. I know that Accutane seems to help a lot of people but I'm no dr and he can advise you best. I'm sure it has to be stressful for you.
I think you are doing much better than you sometimes give yourself credit for. Way to go!
