stealing

[teenmom2111]

Dr. Bradley

As if there is not already enough to deal with, I found out tonight that my daughter is stealing. Stealing clothes and costume jewelry from local stores. I also found gift cards in her back packs for stores that we do not frequent. I confronted her and she repeatedly lied until I finally got the truth. I am asking how to handle this. What do I do? Please give me some guidance. We are dealing wtih so many issues--weed smoking, cigarette smoking, stealing, poor performance in school. How do I addres the stealiing. I have no idea what to do.

Desperate parent

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Mom,
As hard as this sounds, try to view the stealing as just another symptom, and not as a moral/ethical failing. After re-reading all of your posts, I still worry that something else is going on with your kid that might not have been diagnosed yet. For example, she might have a type of bi-polar disorder that her meds could actually worsen at times. Please get her to an adolescent psychologist or psychiatrist for a full evaluation ASAP if you have not done so yet, or get a second look if you've already had a first eval.
Keep us posted

[teenmom2111]

I understand but I do believe I have a good psychiatrist and a good therapist. At this point, both feel that we have been dealing with depression that has gone undiagnosed for a number of years. The mood swings are under control and things are much more even. We still have the teen rage and these other issues but I just don't seen the mood changes that we saw before. It's being monitored closely both both therapist and psychiatrist. I just hope that it all works out. There are days--like today--when I feel I cannot go on any longer. I have never felt such pain and I have never felt this depth of love. I pray daily for answers. I just want her to be a happy child.

Thanks for your support and that of all of the parents.