Navigating life in a blended family is challenging, especially when unexpected conflicts arise. Sarah, who has a toddler, asked her 19-year-old stepdaughter to help by watching the child while she worked. When her stepdaughter refused, claiming she wasn’t a “free nanny,” Sarah grew frustrated and insisted that her stepdaughter contribute by either helping with childcare or paying rent. Her husband, however, remained silent.

The following day, Sarah came home to find the house empty—her toddler’s crib vacant, with no one around. Frantic, she called her husband, who explained he’d rented a small studio and planned to stay there with his daughter, accusing Sarah of having “kicked her out.” He told her she could come to pick up their toddler but that he would remain with his daughter, as she had nowhere else to go.

Sarah was furious, feeling her stepdaughter had become entitled, treating their home as if it were a free place to stay. A week later, her husband still hadn’t returned, leaving Sarah feeling lost and questioning if she’d made the wrong move.