TLDR at the end.So my main questions surround what to expect and what to say. A little background.When in college my girlfriend at the time got pregnant. We decided to keep it since I was a year away from graduating and I moved in with her family. Her family is very strict religious family. Me not so much. We dated through the birth got engaged and we're going to wed.After the baby was born things got rough between us. We broke up and then I moved out of her families. That's when things started getting worse for me. Started drinking and partying and skirting my responsibilities as a parent. Still spent time with my daughter but wasn't there enough and had money trouble and just didn't grow up. I wasn't a good parent or in a good place mentally. My ex met someone and was getting married.Our child was 4 when my ex approached me about giving up parental rights to allow her to be raised in a steady home. That's actually how my exs new husband was raised. I met him a few times he was a good guy and had a good career. I was convinced that was what was best for her so I did it. Went my way with the understanding when she got older if she had questions or wanted to talk I'd be open to it.Fast forward 8 years and she's now 13. I live across the country now. Married with a 15 month old. Don't party or drink as much. Have a good if not boring family life. My wife is aware of all of this. We don't keep secrets. Got a call from my ex. Daughter has asked questions and seen pictures of me and my family. And she wants to talk to me. Ex said they'll call later today.What should I expect? Any advice on how to broach the subject(if she asks) on why I didn't stay around to raise her? I'm a little anxious right now and just want to make sure I go about this right. For her to know it's not her fault but not lay too much on her as she's only 13.TLDR: 13 year old daughter who has been raised by my ex and her husband wants to talk after 8 years. Advice? via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2xmeDDD
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