Entitled Father Refuses To Accept It's His Fault That Relationship With Daughter Is Ruined, Blames Even His Sister

"We asked if she wanted her dad over and she said no."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• December 8, 2023

In complex family relationships, few issues are as challenging as strained relationships between parents and children, especially when other family members are involved. This situation often involves balancing the needs and well-being of the child with the unpredictable behaviors of the parent.

In a compelling Reddit story, a 37-year-old woman shares her experience with her brother's strained relationship with his 15-year-old daughter. Her brother, who has a history of unstable employment and minimal child support contributions, often blames the child's mother for their poor relationship.

Meanwhile, he has blocked his daughter on her phone, further straining their connection. The niece, who maintains a close bond with her aunt and her family, often visits them on weekends and holidays, finding a father figure in her aunt's husband.

On Father's Day, she chose to spend time with her aunt's family, expressing that her uncle was the closest thing to a real dad she had. This is a poignant reflection of the emotional void left by her father's absence and behavior.

The situation escalated when the brother angrily confronted OP for not informing him of his daughter's visits. He accused her of aiding his ex-partner's alleged scheme to keep him and his daughter apart.

When challenged on his relationship with his children, he abruptly ended the call. This confrontation adds another layer to their already contentious relationship, as OP had previously helped her brother during his difficult times, only to face issues due to his behavior.

Is the aunt wrong for not actively facilitating her brother's involvement in events her niece attends, or for not informing him of the niece's visits?

OP's brother has a troubled relationship with his daughter due to unemployment, minimal child support, and anger issues. The daughter, however, maintains a close bond with OP and visits frequently.

On Father's Day, the daughter decides to spend time with the OP's husband rather than her own father. OP's brother is upset because he wasn't notified when his daughter was at their house.

OP has a strained relationship with her brother, and now she is unsure if she should invite him to events with the daughter.

OP's niece deserves positive influences, and regrettably, OP's brother isn't one.

Instead of holding OP responsible, he should be improving his behavior to build a better relationship with his daughter.

He wouldn't appreciate visiting his daughter anyway.

It's great that OP is there for her niece during this tough time with her father.

It seems like OP's niece is better off without her father.

Fortunately, she has a caring and protective family like OP's.

It's on him to work on his relationship with her and provide the financial support she needs as a good father should.

OP's brother is accountable for his actions.

She's old enough to make her own choices, and she has done so.

OP didn't do anything wrong here. The real issue lies with the brother who has a strained relationship with his daughter. He needs to make an effort to earn her love and attention.

It seems like he's not doing well in that department, so it might be a good idea for him to get help from an expert, like a therapist or counselor. These professionals can guide him on how to talk to his daughter better and work on fixing their relationship.

In the end, it's up to the brother to make things right with his child, and getting expert help could be a smart move to make that happen.

Damjan