17 and knows it all

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
17 and knows it all
14
Wed, 01-24-2007 - 5:21pm
Our ds17 is turning the household upside down with his obnoxious and disrespectful behavior. We've tried counseling (he walked out), grounding, taking away the car, cancelling the cell phone. Nothing seems to work. His grades have dropped considerably, he's skipping school. He went from being an honor student and athlete to a foul-mouthed, depressed kid who hangs with kids who have been kicked out (or have dropped out). He's refused antidepressants and seems to be in a downward spiral. We're at a loss how to help this child. Every once in awhile we catch a glimpse of the loving, funny kid he used to be, but that's becoming increasingly rare. Any advice would be most appreciated...

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Avatar for suzyk2118
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-1997
In reply to: k9fan
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 2:19pm

I hear you on the math - MO just changed to 4 years of requirement as of the class of 2010 (and 4 of English). That's definitely not one of M@'s strong points - he is VERY sloppy when it comes to math and had a D+ in geometry going into the final; ended up with a C- (and believe it or not got 100% on a test yesterday - he's in shock!). Not sure I understand the requirements either, esp. if the kids are not college-bound.

Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2005
In reply to: k9fan
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 3:11pm

Thank you Amelia.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2005
In reply to: k9fan
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 3:15pm


Exactly!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2005
In reply to: k9fan
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 3:20pm

Oh, boy, btdt!


I have also met some of these kids, mostly through our church, and wonder who made these "little grown-ups". The reality is, as you said, that they made themselves. Some kids are just born "older". Knowing the parents hasn’t helped me reached any conclusions on anything they’ve ever done to deserve these kids, unless it was in another lifetime...


I have several things I tell myself about this, which whether they are deluded or not, sometimes do help:


#1 I have done such a good job as a parent, that my teens feel so good about themselves they do not need to rack up accomplishments to prove they are worthy;


#2 It is probably best not to "peak" in high school;


#3 still working on it....input welcome


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