Step Families Support Group
Traditionally, a stepfamily is the family one acquires when a parent enters a new marriage, whether the parent was widowed or divorced. This community is focused on many of the relationships and issues that may arise within stepfamilies where you may find answers from some members and you may help other members with their questions.
I have a SD who is abusing our family pets when she comes to visit her dad. From the start, I have not discipline her because it isn't my place to do so. Even though I have not, it was recently reiterated that I am to stay out of it. I have talked to my husband about this, and he, in return, has had talks with his daughter about harming/hurting the family pets. Unfortunately, she blows it off. Then she returns to her moms house and tells her that we were mean to her and fussed at her. Instead of the mom asking what happened, she contacts my husband and informs him that we need to "lighten up"... My husband is not harsh with his daughter. There is no yelling, screaming, name calling, spankings, or anything else. He sits his daughter down and explains to her that the behavior is cruel to the animals and unacceptable. I fear for the safety of our pets. The mom refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem, and tells my husband to lighten up on the daughter so she can enjoy her visits with her dad. While I agree that they should be able to have a pleasant visit...I don't feel it should be at the expense of the family pets and their safety & well being. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm not in a position to say anything to the daughter, but I am heartbroken that our pets are being abused. I've tried keeping the pets away from her, for their protection, but I don't know what else to do. I'm seriously contemplating calling the cops the next time it happens. Let them sort it out. I know that is extreme, but I don't want to find out the hard way & lose a family pet to her (or anyone else's) hands. Maybe if an officer talks to her, it will help her understand that animal abuse is wrong, against the law, and if she continues...she will have to face the consequences of her actions. I also know, if I do this, it will start another crap storm. Any advice on how to handle this situation? If I do nothing, I'm just as guilty. These are laid back, sweet animals...very loving, and they don't serve to be hurt/abused. Not that any animal does. My point is, they are mean or aggressive. So it isn't like the daughter is having to protect herself or hurt them as a defense.
YellowRoseTexas
** I didn't double check my statement. It was suppose to say that the animals are NOT mean or aggressive.
jmerritt10
Sometimes the so called "talking to" does not help at all. If she is told mistreatment of the pets is cruel and unacceptable then there needs to be a consequence if she mistreats the pets. If there is no consequence she learns she just has to put up with the talk and she will continue to be mean to your pets. You might have a talk with your husband and tell him you will respect his wishes regarding discipline as long as he follows through with whatever consequence is set for her bad behavior. If he does not follow through, let him know that you will be forced to protect your pets. Otherwise the only thing you can do is keep the pets locked away from her. Good luck
deleted_user
This is very serious. Often times serial killers start with the abuse or killing of animals, I would put a stop to this ASAP.
RoseRed811
What kind of pets do you have?
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