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lynn
10-24-2005, 12:28 PM
I have read your book regarding Crazy Teens and learned a tremendous amount. How do you know if you have gone too far or is there a point of no return between a parent and their teen. I had to ask my son to leave as calmly as possible before I said things I didn't mean for not coming home all night. (the 3rd occurrence) We established a set of guidelines he is expected to follow and sometimes he doesn't. He is defiant..a good kid but can be so defiant. He has no idea how scared I get when he doesn't come home all night and won't answer his cell phone. I know he has experimented with drinking and does smoke cigerettes but to my knowledge is not currenlty doing any drugs. I get so furstrated as I love him so much but I cannot seem to connect with him anymore. I want to be in his life. His father isn't a role model he will do anything to be his friend. I am fighting a uphill battle always tyring to un-do what his dad chooses to ignore. I don't understand why my son doesn't stand by my side when I have always been there for him and yet he runs to his father who doens't participate in his life or financially support him. I am so confused and have been trying very hard to practice some of the suggestions in your book as they really hit home. I don't ever want to give up on my son but I am so discouraged that he doesn't even want to talk to me.

Mike Bradley
10-25-2005, 07:28 PM
Dear Lynn,
Please find a counselor for yourself to help you sort through all of these great challenges, and to decide how to proceed. You are in the middle of a dark storm right now and it feels hopeless. But I promise you, there is always hope unless you believe there is not.
There is no "point of no return" with troubled teens. You must take it on faith that there is a part of your son that does NOT want to be crazy, and is looking for some way out. The therapist can help you to better find a way to help him.
The worst regret we parents can ever hold is the one about giving up on our child. You must hang in this scary game and play as hard and smart as you can until the clock runs out. There is no other option.
Stay in touch.