Quote:
Originally Posted by Triplewillow
Maybe she was overwhelmed with all the firmly stated posts.
Here's what I did with my daughter when having the same difficulties. (and yes, she grew up in a well disciplined home but it pretty much meant nothing when she turned the magical age of 18)
I wrote out a plan and included the rules she already knew. I informed her that we would stick to this plan and she could be a willing partner in it or not.
She had 90 days to get with the household program.
She would abide by the rules of the house or leave.
She would obtain another job and keep it.
She didn't... I took her to the Salvation Army and dropped her off. She spent 3 nights there, called crying and I refused to pick her up. I told her that she broke the agreement and I would not support or enable her lazy, irresponsible lifestyle.
She called again two weeks later... had a job... could she come home and start over?
I agreed and we started over.
She got another job and kept it. Today she is going to nursing school, working and living on her own. I still have to loan her 5$ once in a great while but I don't mind that.
Parenting doesn't end when they turn 18. Parenting means being limber, willing to bend and start over sometimes. Not much can be set in stone when you love your kids... you have to be willing to bend with the learning curve that is theirs. If I hadn't, I don't know that this girl would be such a wonderful adult today.
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Triplewillow, I just wanted to say thank you for your suggestions.
I am at the point in mine and my daughters relationship where I just had to do something but didn't know where to start. She is 17 now but will be 18 01-2009.
When her behaviour gradually started to change about 4 years ago I found that when I tried to discipline her I felt like I was the one at fault because I was wishy washy with my expectations. But in all honesty I didn't know how to really parent a truly disobedient child. And since the changes were so gradual over time it didn't slap me in the face until I sat down and thought about the negative changes that were occurring.
She was always an excellent B+ student in French Immersion. Up until she was about 15 if I asked her to do something she would do it. I never had to demand or make threats it was just taken as a given that chores/homework had to be completed prior to any activities. We have an open relationship and I know things about my daughter that most parents shouldn't know/wouldn't want to know. This has enabled me to provide her with birth control options and info regarding drug and alcohol abuse. I am aware that she does indulge in all of these in moderation and she is well aware of the evils of all of them. I have raised her to beleive in herself and trust her insticts and not be afraid to make decisions in social situations eg. saying no to something that went beyond her morals regardless of what the group was doing (maybe that is why I am being tested ~ who knows) she is a leader and not a follower. Don't ask me how I know all of this it would take far too long for me to explain. I just know. And no I am not delusional. I have tried to think about what may have happened and made a checklist of all the typical ones - fight with a friend, break up with a boyfriend - change of school (she did change schools for the start of grade 9 but already had friends at this school and wanted to attend anyway so this was a bonus for her) etc. I was able to rule all of this out since she was doing so well in all of these areas. I don't know what made the switch and have asked her but perhaps the adult trying to get out is taking over my child
Anyway, I made up a contract for her to follow with clear guidelines and expectations. I would post but it got pretty long. Long story short she will have 2 months to meet the expectations of the "contract". If in the first month period she doesn't comply then I have stated that I am going to take away her cell phone privliges, allowance (for lack of a better word) and she will lose her ablility to come and go whenever she wants since I will be changing the locks on the door. So when I leave the house at 7 30 to go to work she will be on the other side of the door whether she wants to be or not. Then she can decide whether she wants to go to school or continue doing what she has been doing all along. If after the next month no changes have been made I will take her to the Salvation Army as you suggested and let her find out the hard way that life isn't easy. It pains me to do this but I do have an 8 year old son who is starting to pick up on his sisters actions and asking questions.
I worry that it may be harsh but if she can't get it straight in 2 months then I am not willing to continue with my house in upheaval.
Any thoughts or advice anyone could provide me with? I could sure use them.
Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post.