Blossom....just like with the alcoholic...you will have to detach from her martyrdom behaviors. You aren't going to change her in this short time (just like you couldn't change your alcoholic). If you don't detach you will be sucked in!!!LOL.
I like the saying in the AA recovery circles..."Say what you mean; mean what y ou say; BUT, don't say it mean!
It is o.k. to be very generous with your thanks and appreciation for her help, though.
If your child's father were paying child support like he should...it would make it easeir for you to move out sooner......wouldn't it????
dandylion