Daughter gives only heartache

Dear Abby: Ever since high school, our adult daughter has had mood swings. My wife and I thought she’d grow out of it as she matured, but she hasn’t. At her request we sent her to a university far away, and we were proud that she earned her bachelor’s degree. We thought independent living would do the trick, but her personality and behavior toward us didn’t change.

She’s an only child, and we spoiled her – bought her cars and paid for college. I asked her to try for scholarships to help us out, but she didn’t. She married and had two wonderful kids, but her mood swings persist. When I mentioned she see a counselor or therapist as a way to get some third-party advice and sort things out, she hit the ceiling and told me I was the one who needs therapy. Then she brought up my flaws and my past drinking problem. Granted, I have made mistakes, and I’m not perfect, but I’ve learned and grown.

After 10 years she divorced her husband. She got custody of the kids and the house. Her divorce cost us a great deal of money. Her authoritative and moody behavior is affecting our grandchildren.

I love my daughter very much and always have. If you were in my shoes, Abby, what would you do for a more healthy and loving relationship for all involved?

Dear Dad: I would look back and examine all the things I did to foster her behavior. An example would be paying for her divorce. Then I would stop doing them and not resume until she agreed to consult a psychotherapist about her mood swings.