Family is difficult, perhaps even one of the most difficult things. Even when the relationships are fairly "traditional" and straightforward, let's be honest: what is straightforward? Is there even really a straightforward when it comes to family? The reality is that there hardly ever is, and the families that try and act like things are straightforward are the most likely to be hiding something.
When families are more complex, mixed, or "blended" things get even further from simple. And who is it for anyone but the people directly involved to say how each family member should feel towards, and what their obligations should be to, the other members of the family? Should, say, the grandparents of one child give the same time and energy to the kids to whom they have no real blood or familial attachment to?
It's a really difficult thing to decide for anyone, and really it's up to everyone to make the decisions that they feel are best for themself, but when it comes to teenagers and parents, parents are always going to think that they know what's best—and be frustrated when their teens aren't complying. That's why things came to a head when this mother insisted that all the children in her care go to the water park with this teen and his paternal grandparents. The teen turned to this online community to get outside support and to see if he was wrong for resisting his mother's wishes.
Image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Image is for illustration only and subjects are models.
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