My 13 year old daughter is unravelling. This year at school has see her move from detentions to internal suspensions & then an external suspension. She's rude & non compliant. If she doesn't like what the teacher requests of her, she'll leave the class- followed by a level of horrible verbal slurs. At home, she won't adhere to a grounding & lately has chosen to come & go as she pleases. She lies incessantly. She lives week about between her Father's place & ours. She is on a mental health care plan & recently, her Father commenced her on anti- depressants (with recommendation form the psychologist). I'm concerned that the psych isn't implementing any cognitive or behavioural strategies & I'm aware that there are other choices of medication with fewer side- effects; so that has bothered me. She talks about not caring about any consequences for her behaviour & wants to be able to live the life she chooses for herself. I see a young girl with low moods, lack of resilience, poor behaviours. I feel anxious about the path she's choosing. She's disengaging form school, sports, psych and family. I really hope she changes tack! My son has recently turned 18. He goes out partying a lot now & usually doesn't get up of bed until about 3pm daily. He's told me that he's started to smoke pot too. I've tried to bring some education around both binge drinking & the risks associated with experimenting with drug use, but he's not receptive. Both of my children have always been sporty and generally good all rounders. It's again scary considering their current choices; it's impacting the rest of the family and We're at a loss to engage in meaningful relationships with them as they're both rather selfish. My son has recently opted to not go to his uncle's wedding; in favour of a party. It just doesn't feel right as their Mum to sit by & watch how things unfold...
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