I have a split family with a daughter (12) from my first marriage. For my (now) wife and I, things have been very difficult to maintain a strong relationship with my daughter even though we desperately are trying to do so.

 

We have given her space when she needs space, we don’t pressure her to engage with the rest of the family, we have been patient and loving and have not held back our care or love for her even though sometimes she withdrawals from us.

 

Even though it’s not always perfect we have a great time when she is with us and we almost always end our time together on a high note. But for some reason when she returns home to her birth mother she shares that she is sad, distant, and hurting for one reason or another. But from our perspective, this is not the case. She is often joyful and silly when she leaves our care.

 

It hurts awfully to feel like we’re doing something wrong and when we try to talk with her about it she declines to communicate. We feel hopeless when we can’t connect with her and it feels like she is pushing herself away from us. I love my daughter dearly, but I’m worried I’m losing her and I’m not sure what else to do. I need help from the Holy Spirit. Amen.