Can I really do this #3

[SteveLW]

"I know you guys are separating and I don't want to spend every other week with you. We have grown apart and I really don't even like you that much".

Likely not really meant, but meant to be the dagger to the heart that it was. My D has said things like this too recently. Usually in reaction to not getting something that she wants. Teenage girls are masters at mind games. It is a defense mechanism in dealing with each other, and they use it in dealing with everyone else as well.

So JS, I have been doing a lot of reading about dealing with teenage Ds, and the best advice that has had the best effect is to let it roll of your back like water off a duck. I used to react to all of her eye-rolls, comments, anger, etc. I found that the more I ignore it the less she does it. She is looking for a reaction. And when we as parents react to statements like the quote above it gives in to what they are looking for.

Hang in there. Things will get better.