My daughter’s controlling ways could end her marriage

DEAR DEIDRE: My daughter doesn’t know how good her husband is to her because she’s a control freak – and I’m scared they will split up.

She is 29 and her husband is 34. I’m a woman of 52. He’s a lovely guy who works with my husband but my girl is so difficult at times.

They have a son aged three who idolises his daddy and my daughter is jealous. My son-in-law works hard, just as my other half does.

He’s doing his best to provide for his family but my daughter makes constant demands on him, wanting him home early so that he can take over her duties with their boy.

She even lies to him, making up reasons for him to dash back, such as burst pipes or their lad being ill.

My grandson can be a handful so I have him when I can. I don’t think my daughter copes well and I’ve asked her if she’s depressed. But she says she “doesn’t get” people with mental health problems.

My husband and I are both on medication for depression but I was in denial about it for years. Now I see history repeating itself.

DEIDRE SAYS: She might not be depressed, just frazzled at the end of the day when lots of parents are also at the end of their tether.

Not many new mums want to admit it, but looking after youngsters can feel very isolating. Perhaps she is feeling lonely, which is why she is constantly trying to pull your son-in-law home.

You can give support by encouraging her to find some organisations where she will meet other parents and carers and your grandson can run off some steam.

Check out the National Childbirth Trust (nct.org.uk, 0300 330 0700), which has groups up and down the country.

My support pack Looking After Your Relationship would help them both.