Blended Family Struggles: A Mother’s Protective Dilemma

Parenting in a blended family can be tough, especially when roles blur. A mother shared her struggle after her 16-year-old daughter, living with her ex-husband and his new wife, called her in tears. The stepmother assigned her the “night shift” with their newborn, saying, “You can’t live here for free.” Furious, the mother arranged a surprise CPS visit.

CPS found no grounds to act, leaving the ex-husband angry and the daughter feeling her mom overreacted. Now, the mother questions her actions, torn between protecting her daughter from unfair responsibilities and escalating family tension. She seeks advice on supporting her daughter without worsening the conflict. What would you do?