Can't stop crying
So, I'm recently divorced. I have 2 great kids. My Ex and I split amicably so we still get along most of the time. Long story short our 13 year old told me weeks ago she doesn't believe in God. Although not happy I understood, she's allowed to feel this way. Well she finally told my ex tonight. After she told him she came home from piano and when he left cried her eyes out. Hard. Then he called me. Wanted to know how I felt. I told him. Basically he began to tell me that he will still make her go to church (which he does have a right to do on his weekends) and wanted to know if I start going again will I make her go. I said I wouldn't. I don't feel that forcing her is right.
Basicaly words were said and he said I wasn't being a Christian if I didn't worry about her eternal life and so on and make her go. So of course that makes me start to cry cause it makes me mad and also brings up my feelings of being a bad Mom. I couldn't make my marriage work. My house is a mess. I have no money half the time cause of bills. Other things were said too like how I treat her like a friend not my daughter. Which yes I do sometimes. Cause sometimes I need a friend or she does.
Anyways I can't stop crying now. I have no idea what to do now. Thanks for reading.
@gardenlady
Hey! I can definitely say that is a hard situation and I am sorry to hear that it is happening to you. I can relate to this as an atheist with highly religious parents. Let me just say, I think you're a great mother by not forcing her. it's okay not to be happy with her decision but to respect it is great. If your ex forces your daughter to go and she doesn't like it, that's on him, and she would more likely grow up with resentment towards him for pushing his belief onto her when she can make her own decisions and has.
How do you feel about having an open conversation with your daughter about how she feels about all of this and maybe ask her how she came to the conclusion that God doesn't exist?
If you need to talk, you can reply to this. and I'll reply back. -hugs- best of wishes to you all
@HalliwellSister
I have had a very open conversation with her. I believe her reasoning good. She said that she doesn't feel that one person can have that much power. That's it's not like science where you can prove something.
Again I may not agree but I can see what she believes.
@gardenlady
I am glad to hear that your daughter has at least one open-minded parent. That is always great for the child growing up, speaking from experience here. I hope your ex can grow to understand that your daughter is a human being with the ability to decide for herself. I am sure he means well, or he thinks he does, but religion shouldn't be something someone is forced into, as you know, because then is it really hers... yeah...
Again, I am super glad she has you.
@gardenlady I agree with everyone else that you sound like a great mother. I am also religious and I know what you are feeling is difficult. It is so loving of you to accept her and listen to what she has to say. A lot of the time these things can drive parents and children apart and it is sad. I know you are going through a lot, but you seem very strong and loving.
