Lost Teen

[scaredmomma]

I just don't know what to do anymore. My son is 15. He kept skipping school to the point where he was truant. I decided to home school him through the school board. They have him on one course to start. I am having so many problems. First, he just wants to skip school. He has only one or two friends he hangs out with. He barely does the schoolwork. He seems to think he can stay out as long as he wants although he has always had a curfew. He will call me and tell me he is staying at a friends house and it is 11pm. I say no. He says "F*** you." Not ok. I am try to reason with him. He is A.D.D. At this point his father is asleep. The friend's parents could care less if their son was out until 3am. He is also 15. My son's father has no patience for this. I tell him if he is not home in 15 min, I wake up his father who will drive over to the other house and start ringing the bell. I then get a call from my son telling me he is on his way home. He just seems so lost. He is close to his grandparents and will spend the day with them. I just don't know what to do. I regret pulling him out of school but he wasn't going anyway. I will try anything to help this kid. I just don't know what to do. Can you help me?

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Scared,
You must quickly get some expert help to get you and your husband on the same parenting page to get control of your child. Talk to your school counselor or social worker about what services are available to you in your community. Even if he is home schooled he is still by law entitled to suport services. Failing that, visit your local police department to see what legal options you have to request court intervention to mandate treatment services for your kid in light of his continued truancy (even at home).
Please act quickly. Your son is at risk until you guys get control back.
Good luck.

[googie1262]

My daughter was starting to show signs that concerned me so I followed the doctor's advice and found her a good therapist. The therapist was able to direct our family as needed. Recently she felt that medication may be helpful in helping with the anxiety and explosiveness. We have seen real improvement. Don't wait.

Gwen

[StaciesMom]

Every kid is different and that kind of lashing out can stem from a variety of things I think you should definitely see a counselor individually and as a family. This lets your son know you care about him and are concerned and will not let him fall to the way side.

[benjalo]

Not helpful for the original poster, but just an FYI... Home educators are not actually allowed access to all the support offered public schoolers. It's a shame, but it varies by district and is often denied.