Girls cry foul when dad’s fiancee bad-mouths mom

Dear Abby: My fiancee of three years, “Ellen,” is wonderful to me and she loves my daughters dearly. However, when it comes to my ex-wife, Ellen can be downright nasty.

I divorced my ex-wife many years ago because she wasn’t good to me, but my kids see her half the time and love her because she’s their mom, and I encourage them to do that. Ellen says nasty things about her in front of my kids, and of course my kids don’t like it and tell me about it. When I confront Ellen about it, she tells me I stick up for my ex more than her and tries to make me feel guilty.

My kids are my world, Abby. I love Ellen, but I refuse to lose my kids because my fiancee can’t control her mouth. I don’t know what to do. If I lose Ellen because of my ex, I’ll be devastated. Do you have any advice for me? — Can’t Win In

Pennsylvania

Dear Can’t Win: Try asking Ellen how she would feel if she were in your daughters’ shoes and someone constantly said nasty things about HER mother. I’ll bet she wouldn’t like it one bit.

You say Ellen loves your daughters — yet she persists in doing something she knows is painful for them. That isn’t loving behavior, nor is it kind or sensitive. My advice is to tell Ellen she needs to do some work on quelling her insecurity and hostility because she’s driving your daughters away, and they are your world. And add that if you hear she’s continuing to make nasty comments about their mother, although it pains you, you will miss her.