Daughter, 11, always comes back from dad’s emotional

FYI: I know this is a case of weekend dad syndrome but it’s so frustrating.

My ex lives 3 hours away which is hard on my daughter.

My daughter was born here (where we live) and has always lived here. I don’t think dad has considered moving to be closer to be with his daughter. He now has a partner who he is getting married to so I doubt that’s ever going to happen.

My daughter will go and stay with him for up to a week during school holidays (so roughly every 2-3 months) and this time is usually split between him and his mother so he doesn’t see her the full week anyway.

Without fail, my daughter will come back really emotional and moody. I know this is normal. What makes it worse is that as soon as she leaves to go with him she gives me the cold shoulder all week. Barely a text, says she is too busy for a quick call with me so I can catch up with her… with the phone I obviously bought for her. 😂

It’s his job to make an effort to see her. Where we live is affordable to stay for the occasional weekend. I think it makes the transition harder for her to come back from staying there because he never sees her living her daily life and she just sees it as a holiday.

I love my daughter to death, and go to great lengths to protect her and entertain her and make her feel loved and special. It is so frustrating feeling like the bad cop.

Has anyone else had this experience?