Tell me what to do!!!

[Cherry]

Ugh, sorry that the in laws are a bit of a nightmare. This seems quite common across the board. I guess we really don't know what our spouses have told them. You don't need to be told this, as you sound like a caring mother, but just concentrate on stability, fun and love for her. My h doesn't really spend any time with our S, which is hurtful because he wakes in he night saying "daddy's gone", granted this has calmed a little recently, but I think this is because S doesn't want to go near h anymore. I just see my aim on making sure he feels no shortage of love from his mami. I keep to his routines, and love tucking him up into bed and enjoying those cuddles. It's hurtful when they are dodging their parental responsibilities, but they will truly look back and regret missing these precious years.

With regards to finding yourself again, start small. Do anything that will make you smile and connect a bit more like the old you. It could be a simple as meeting a gal pal for a walk, going for a coffee. I do various things some involving S and taking him somewhere, taking a bit of time for a pamper, or meeting my girl for dinner/shopping/coffee. Absolutely anything!

The new version of you may be a bit of the old you, but even stronger. I find I've changed slightly from the old me- but I think she's even better. I have more life experience now which makes me even stronger and wiser!

Don't listen to him, and pay no mind to him manipulating you. My ex (who I was with just before h), was verbally abussive and sometimes physically. So I know all to well that feeling of being of being blamed for everything, and living in fear of the next thing you'll be shouted at for. Just concentrate on you and your child and leave him be on his crazy train for a while. Keep your side of the street clean, and know you aren't doing anything wrong. If he begins to get angry in a conversation, just say to him that you won't speak to him while he's angry, and you will talk when he's calm and leave it at that