How do I help keep the kid calm and sane while we know her mom is basically cleansing her life of her? — StepparentStepparent: No kid needs this at any age, obviously — but for a kid stuck with this outcome, you sound like just what she needs. It probably will be, and maybe this will ultimately be better for her, but to jump there is invalidating. Maybe a movie, a hike to a pretty view; maybe shop for nice things for her room. Helper can also ask Anxious to direct things hereafter to Helper, at which point Helper will decide whether to get you involved.

Source: Washington Post March 16, 2021 03:56 UTC