Blended families can often face challenges in treating all children equally. This exact situation arose for Madison’s family when her husband asked her daughter to skip a family trip so that his son’s girlfriend could join them instead. When they returned, the situation became even more difficult, prompting Madison to seek advice.

This is Madison’s letter:

My 16-year-old stepson wants to invite his new girlfriend on our trip to Spain. My husband agreed but said he can’t afford more than four tickets, so we have to leave my 18-year-old daughter at home.

I was furious and blamed him for choosing a stranger over his own stepdaughter whom he’s been raising since she was 7.

He replied, “That stranger is my son’s guest… Also, you seem to forget that your daughter’s dad is irresponsible and lazy, never paying for her vacations. Maybe it’s time for him to step up.” I felt powerless.

We left for Spain without my daughter because I knew her biological dad couldn’t afford a trip to Europe.

When we returned, we were horrified to find that my daughter had packed her things and moved in with her father.

She blames me for not standing up for her. I am devastated and at a loss.

I still can’t believe my husband’s cruelty and how his actions led to this terrible situation.

What should I do?