I (42F) have been married to my husband (45M) for five years. We each have a daughter—his, Lena (15), and mine, Sophie (16). Living together hasn’t been easy.

Lena struggles in school: failing grades, poor focus, no motivation. Sophie, on the other hand, is a straight-A student aiming for med school.

This summer, we planned a beach vacation. But when Lena’s grades kept dropping, I made a tough call — she’d stay home with a private tutor instead. I wanted her to learn accountability, not feel punished. Her father agreed.

Lena cried for days but I stood firm. Then came the day of the trip. At the airport, Sophie suddenly couldn’t find her passport. We searched everywhere — nothing. Trip canceled.

That night, we found it hidden behind a ceiling tile in Lena’s closet. She just sat there, silent, as we confronted her. Her father looked devastated; I was furious.

Now everyone says I went too far — that I punished Lena for not being like Sophie. But I didn’t scream, hit, or abandon her. I tried to give her structure and help. Still, our house feels like ice, and Lena hasn’t spoken since.

So… was I wrong?