Big hug for you Lizzy

It must be hard to endure the breakup of your folks sweetie... I remember that 13 can be a difficult age... There is so much going on and so many changes in life at that age

I don't think that kids should be brought into adult issues by a parent however if you have concerns or if you're feeling hurt why don't you discuss them with you Dad... Because there is someone new in his life doesn't diminish the love he feels for you Lizzy

Another big hug for you... I'm here if you ever want to message....xo

My ex left when my kids were 5 and 7, he found a girlfriend within a month and was living with her within a year.

How to put it....my kids hated, loathed, detested her.....on a good day. When they visited their dad at her house, they slept on the floor. So I get it.

Does your dad spend time with You when you visit him? Or is he buried in front of the TV set?

You're not going over there to visit with her. Your going to see him. And some dads are....well pathetic at being dads.

How long has he been trying to do this on his own? (In other words, how long have your parents been separated?) It took my ex about 2 years to learn how to be a halfway decent father.

Does he listen to you? Does he help you when you ask?

Thanks so much guys! Patti: My parents have been divorced for about 11 years I think... It's been a while, but I am used to having divorced parents. He is a very good dad, and he listens, but he doesn't always try very hard to make it better. He believes there is good in her, but my mom and I both know that she really will never change.

Lizzy, sweetie, it must be so hard for you to go through this. Your mum and dad don't love each other anymore, and your dad now loves someone else who is not ur mother. And to make things worse, this woman is being difficult.

Maybe if u talked to your dad's girlfriend. You never know, she might be understanding, you can set boundaries so you still have precious time with your father, because I know you don't want to lose that really.

Your right, some people never change.

Having been around the block a few more times than I care to think of, I'm going to give you some advice that applies to everyone.

Don't come between a couple. They may be headed for disaster, but you can't stop it. Stick around and stay on good terms with your dad (or friend, or mom, or even someday child), but if you get in the middle they'll only resent you for any problems. The more you fight them as a couple, the more they'll bind together, and the more he'll overlook her bad side.

The best you can do is learn ways of dealing with her. Dealing with difficult people is something you'll have to do your entire life (yay!....yeah right....well we're not allowed to go around doing people in).

Stinks, I know, believe me, I KNOW....but it's life.

Oh and LM, I really really hope that isn't your real name. If it is I'm going to have to go over there and smack you. Never put your real name out there on the internet. And change your town too. To something like....oh.....MyDadHasLostHisMind....or something like that.

Patti: You're totally right - I should change that :P
Zalia: I have talked to her a lot, and she won't change. She doesn't listen, and she tells me everything I feel is wrong. To make that worse, she told (I think it was my dad) that "a 13 year old is controlling her life" when I have NOTHING to do with the fact that she drinks and smokes and hates me. She didn't even want to go to dinner with me, so I probably won't be able to talk to her. Besides, my mom wouldn't let me. But thanks for the advice!

a 13 year old is controlling your life???

Uh YEAH! It's called being a PARENT!!!

Sorry for "yelling," but that woman gets me angry, and she's not even MY dad's GF!

Patti's right, BTW- the "good" part about this crap is that it'll really prepare you to deal with stuff when you get older...

Hugs.

Yes, definitely, Deli. She is totally right. My mom is helping me through this and teaching me what a healthy relationship is and an unhealthy relationship. Thanks!

Whacha doing for your mom for Mother's Day?

****hint, hint****

Lol I am not sure... Usually I make my dad breakfast, so I may do that. But my mom always wakes up before me. I may do some sort of art thing. Wish I could drive her somewhere.

Ooo, do the art thing, the art thing for your mom. Make her tea too (if she likes tea)

****My kids hate doing the art thing.... I'm trying to convince them, I can buy my own stuff, but the art things are priceless....****

Yeah, feed your dad.