Talk To Me: My daughter is distressed over her dad’s new baby

Psychologist Caroline Martin is here to answer your questions on whatever issues you are dealing with in life, from work pressure and stress to loneliness and grief

Pic: iStock

My partner and I split up six years ago. It was a traumatic experience. We managed to work things out and our 14-year-old daughter now spends every second weekend with him. She was happy to stay with him until his girlfriend moved into the house. They had a baby two months ago and she’s now refusing to visit her father, saying he’s only interested in his girlfriend and the new baby. It’s a big change from the days when she was the apple of his eye. I’m not sure what I can do to support her.

The breakdown of a relationship can be a difficult experience, and when a child is involved, it can be even more so. You and your ex-partner have successfully navigated that fraught space and your daughter benefitted, enjoying a loving relationship with you both. The family dynamic is going through another evolution and while there are new challenges, you both have built helpful routines that will support your daughter.