Blended families often face challenges when it comes to treating all children fairly. This was exactly what Madison’s family experienced when her husband chose to ask her daughter to stay home so that his son’s girlfriend could join their family trip. The fallout from this decision only grew more intense after the trip, prompting Madison to seek some advice.

This is Madison’s letter:

My 16-year-old stepson wanted to invite his new girlfriend on our trip to Spain. My husband agreed but insisted that we couldn’t afford more than four tickets, meaning my 18-year-old daughter had to stay behind.

Furious, I confronted him, accusing him of prioritizing a stranger over his stepdaughter, whom he has helped raise since she was seven years old.

He responded, “That ‘stranger’ is our son’s guest. Besides, you always overlook the fact that your daughter’s father is irresponsible and lazy, never contributing to her vacations. Maybe it’s high time he stepped up.” This left me feeling utterly powerless.

We embarked on our trip to Spain without my daughter, knowing well that her biological father couldn’t afford such a trip.

Upon our return, we were shocked to find that my daughter had packed her belongings and moved in with her father.

She blames me for not supporting her. I am heartbroken and don’t know what to do.

I am stunned by my husband’s actions and the resulting heartache it has caused.

What steps should I take next?