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Subject: |
Getting A Parenting Back Bone |
| Date: |
2009-10-12
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Getting A Parenting Back Bone
Last year my sweet daughter went into public high school. This is a child who always followed the rules, never wanted to rock the boat, an absolute joy to be around.
She started cheerleading and had a great football season. Once cheer was over she had more time and met a boy. This young man was 17 and would be kicked out of school before the end of the year for ditching and lack of respect for authority. The boy dresses in the dark "emo" clothing, would post pictures of himself cutting his body on the Internet as an "art form". He is a very troubled boy who needs a lot of help. I refused to let my daughter date this boy. Unbeknownst to me the boy was sending notes to my daughter through his sister who was also a freshman. Come to find out over the next year my daughter would chat with him constantly on her MySpace account or cell text messages, occasionally meeting with him after school. I watched my girl go from happy to sullen, angry, nasty to everyone... she ruled the house. My husband and I were walking on egg shells. We also have a 4 yr old daughter who reaped the wrath of the angry screaming fits.
My husband and I looked up every resource we could find on how to bring our girl back. I'm a loyal listener, so I picked up your book Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids......WOW!
TV, internet, cell phone taken away. Firm rules were printed out on a contract for her to refer to when she needs a reminder. She has been put into homeschooling and seems to thrive in this environment. No more access to the now 18yr old man.
In one week, it was like the dark veil was lifted and here is my sweet beautiful, fun 15 yr old. Who would have thought that just giving some very tuff love, could complexly change one girl's path. We will do what ever it takes to keep her going on this path of respectable, clean living.
You were here for me in one of my darkest moments.....your guidance gave my husband and myself the confidence to take back our home and make it the wonderful, calm home where we can all rest and be rejuvenated. Now back to being my girls' Mommie and my husband's girlfriend!
Gratitude! That's says it all Dr. Laura
J.
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