How to cope with jealous daughter

Does she believe that your DS is really ill? Sadly some people don't see MH issues as a 'real' illness.

She knows he is ill but because it is due to alcohol abuse when he was younger she thinks its his own fault, which it is. But he is trying hard to change his life. She is happy to write him off, but I cant.

I have some sympathy with your daughter. Make sure you invite her (without grandchildren) for a regular treat too!

You are in a difficult position.

Yes, it probably is your son's fault in the first instance but you say he's trying hard to change things now and he deserves your support.

It is a pity your daughter can't see things the same way. She has some right on her side, in theory, but she's making you and perhaps her brother unhappy.

Take of yourself too. Perhaps, to keep the peace, take her out to lunch or invite her to join you both on one or two occasions.

Does she think you are enabling your son? Is be doing everything he can do to get his mh under control?

Sorry - I ought to have written "Take care of yourself too".

Thank you everyone, daughter had plenty of treats over the years. We took her and the kids on an all inclusive holiday 5 months ago plus spent Thousands on furniture and repairing her car last year when she split from partner and moved into her own home. Not to mention all the prams, cots, washing machines I've bought her since the grandkids were born. Son is now getting proper help and has a key worker. I just didn't want him to resort to drink again through depression and loneliness.

JOJO60 for whatever reason she's hurting. It doesn't matter what you have given over the years, sibling rivalry is not rational but exists in the happiest of families. Why not simply take her out for lunch and have some one to one time with her?

Where do your dd and gc live now? Still with you?

When did your son start getting proper treatment?

When did your son start drinking?

I get a feeling this is not about money, but about attention and resentment from your dd due to the whole timeline of events, not about what's happening now.
There is a long history of alcoholism that is very harmful in a relarionship.

Are there any other addicts in the family?

I would stop throwing money right now. Money doesn't equal happiness. I feel you are using money to remedy this situation and it is not ovbiosuly working.

Does your dd feel there are strings attached with the presents and money?

Sit down in a cafe together and ask her what the issues are. Irrational, but maybe she feels hurt missing out on one-to-one time with you. It might be nothing to do with money.

Is there any reason you could not invite her along too?
Sadly sibling rivalry does not stop when the children grow up and sometimes we have to tread warily.

Thank you again. I will invite her to join us this week.i know sibling rivalry can go on a long time, my daughter has been like this since she was little. Her brother who is older has never been like this.

How to cope - well I think that the best way is to accept that she's not going to change. You can change your response to her though. You have done a lot for both of your children and that had to be enough. I would reply to her that you treat them according to their need. You can only do your best.

Some siblings can be simply jealous whatever you do to eliminate it. Sibling rivalry exist more in some families. Remind your daughter of the things you did for her to support her and that you love her and you love her brother too and supporting him in the way you think is best. Don’t fall into the guilt trip if you feel you have treated them both fairly. Sometimes this guilt trip is just a case of jealousy and greed.

Thank you everyone. It has helped me see things more clearly. I know in my heart I've done my best for both of them. D has never wanted to talk to me, even on holiday for 2weeks. Ignored my attempts to have a conversation and just glued to her phone. It's like I dont exist. I think I have to accept her the way she is, but do what I think is right whether she likes it or not. Thanks

Alcoholism is often called a family disease.

The fact that you want to make sure your son doesn’t drink due to loneliness is admirable, but also sounds like you feel responsible for his recovery. You can’t put the work in for him, he needs to do it on his own.

I’ve seen it in my own family, the Alcoholic child without a family of their own is often coddled, while the functional child is emotionally cast aside and told to suck it up for their sibling. If they complain, anything ever done for them is thrown in their face.

Parents might be physically present with them, but are always emotionally with alcoholic child.

Please look into al-anon for yourself. You all need more support.

Summerlove,

Wisest words ever written.

It does sound like your daughter has had a lot of practical, financial help from you over the years but it sounds like your son hasn't needed this but he has needed your time and attention.
I'm wondering if, if she has always had the financial she doesn't feel as value of it as it's the easier option as opposed to individual time for you both.
Perhaps looking at the relationship you and your daughter have without the finances or grandchildren, maybe that's where she feels she's not getting her share of her mum.

I could be so far off the mark I know, but I do know someone who's daughter puts so many demands on her parents it's ridiculous.
They are basically running 2 homes financially but what she cannot see is how she never ever spends any positive time with her daughter. It is all about the grandchild, everything revolves around her child and I think the money they throw around is to ease their conscience because they know this.
It might be good for them if they could improve their own relationship with each other, that way you're not piggy in the middle.

Can I say some comments are well intentioned but you know you son and daughter better than anyone here and please don’t take some of the advice as blame towards you. We as readers see the little picture and advise on that or our own personal experiences. Good luck with trying to improve relationships with your children