Coming from a divorced family that was torn in custody battles and left to tend for my younger siblings, I felt that I could really have a monumental impact on the life of my stepdaughter. I began dating her dad when she was two years old, but have struggled to be the priority. I get along great with her mom, most of the time. In fact, she was at my bridal and baby showers! At one point, my stepdaughter was living with us and managed to manipulate her way in every aspect of our family life. I did not want her to go live with her mom, but dad insisted.