I think the my step-daughters mother has sunk to a new low. Updated with new info.

Yesterday, my dh spoke with his daughter, and she asked him if he could buy her a lot of gifts this christmas, because any gifts that her mom was going to give her she's not getting (I don't know if I really believe this because her mom told her that if she wants to come to NY then that has to be her gift. (Its in the agreement that she has to provide two plane tickets a year.).

I am disgusted, I told my dh that we are always very generous with my sd and I am not going to be pushed into upping the limit. Btw, our limit on her is $300.00 which i think is more than sufficient.



Eta: His ex called on his way home from work and said that either we need to put the ticket on a cc or give her half of the ticket. He is ticked. This is what I told him, and I understand some of you may disagree but what I said was send her a check for half 175.00 in the memo section note that its for the christmas 2008 plane tkt, and just know that we are going to always pay half. I figured it out and at 200.00 each time its only 1600.00 total until she is 18. Although I love my dh and he will say that he will go to court, he never will and I am not doing this anymore. She doesn't really win, because unfortunately, there are no winners in this.

Thanks for listening.

Message edited 10/16/2008 9:25:36 AM.

unbelievable - it seems that the BMs seem to manipulate in any way they can - at least I know it is in my case - I have a similar situation.

What did your DH say when you told him you would not increase the limit?

And I agree $300 is more than enough.

My dh agreed that we are not upping the limits, especially in this economy. Anyway, he said we will wrap all the gifts individually so it looks like more.

That is good that he agreed. I know sometimes my DH just gives in to his ex-wife's demands just to keep peace and it isn't always fair.

she never specified what the things needed to be so just buy her a lot of little things. that way she has a lot to open. there is no way i would up the amount you spend.

At least DH agreed. Mine is totally insane when it comes to X-mas.. I am talking thousands (all in debt of course)...

I just read your update. In these situations, you just have to know that when SD gets old enough, she will realize who the "better parents" are. It is very "big" of you to come to the realization that there is no winning in these situations.

I just read your update: I agree with you and sometimes it is easier to just give in for the benefit of the child (and your DH)