Michelle’s family planned an expensive overseas vacation, and she invited her 16-year-old stepson to join, on the condition that he babysit their 3-year-old daughter. He refused and stormed out. The morning before their flight, Michelle found the daughter’s room in disarray and the suitcases unpacked.
Confronting her stepson, he yelled that they only cared about his stepsiblings. Despite attempts to resolve things, the situation escalated, causing them to miss their flight. This added stress and cost to the trip. Michelle now feels torn between her love for her stepson and disappointment in his actions, unsure if she pushed him too far or if his behavior was unjustified.
She seeks advice on repairing the family relationship.