One thing I'd like to say to those that want to shoot down the dreams of kids, is the fact that they're kids! Kids can change their minds as they get older. I grew up wanting to be a nurse. Then a childcare worker, then a scientist (yeah big reach there, lol). I have tried nursing (got pregnant, left.) I have tried childcare (breakup stress, work stress, mum stress, left.) Now I'm seriously considering teaching.

Keep encouraging her to follow her dreams. Sure if things don't work or or she changes her mind, she'll always know that you were behind her the whole time. Tell your ex-fam that she is going through a hard time with grief, and that all it takes for her to feel better is encouragement. If they believe that her dream is not good enough, then tell them to find a way that would make it work and have DD be happy. If she wants to be an animal photographer, perhaps that could work in conjunction with being a tour guide, or being a zookeeper. Or a biologist, a nature worker anything to do with animals and wildlife.

I'm happy she has a dream. I wish I'd stuck to my dreams. But now my dream is to study and have a career, in whatever field it may be. You are a great mother and do not let yourself feel otherwise. I don't know much about what you've been through, but all I know is that you've been through a divorce and have met someone new and made your family grow and complete. That's all I ever hope for. You give your family strength, and in turn you need the strength of your family to help your children. Good luck and well done!