My husband booked an expensive all-inclusive cruise for us and our 3-year-old son. I told my teenage stepdaughter she could join if she earned it by doing chores, but she refused and stormed off. Hours before the trip, I found my son in tears, scared because my stepdaughter had thrown his toys around, upset that her dad was replacing her with a new baby. She felt neglected, and my son was frightened. When my husband arrived, things escalated, and we decided my stepdaughter should stay with her mom while we went on the trip.
During the vacation, she sent hurtful texts, making the trip uncomfortable. Now that we’re home, the tension is worse—my son misses his sister, but she’s distancing herself from him. I’m questioning whether I was wrong for making her earn the trip or if I made things worse. How can I fix this with both of them?
Sincerely, Linda”
