Five-Year-Old Daughter Said Daddy’s Bath Games Were Secret—Then I Looked Through the Bathroom Door and Called the Police
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Chapter 9 / 28
Chapter 9 - MY OWN ROLEI wanted Mark to become the entire problem.
Then our couples therapist asked me:
“When did you first notice Sophie’s bath anxiety worsening?”
Months earlier.
“What did you do?”
Avoided it.
I let Sophie skip baths when she was tired.
Used dry shampoo.
Washed hair in the sink.
Mark complained.
I said:
“She’ll grow out of it.”
Did I create his abuse?
No.
Did my avoidance increase his frustration?
Yes.
Did that authorize secret medication and coercion?
No.
Two truths.
Again.
I also missed smaller signs.
A kitchen timer appearing upstairs.
The adult sleep-aid bottle moving from our bathroom cabinet.
Sophie asking:
“Can Daddy do bedtime but not bath?”
I answered:
May you like
“You have to let Daddy help too.”
That sentence hurt later.
