Thanks for being so open FamilyVision. I also see the influences of other people on my son and I feel disappointed that he is being so gullible and listening to their every suggestion, mostly from the girlfriend who he seems very obsessed by. He even chooses homelessness to be near her. Some of his decisions have left us flawed and we try to see it from his perspective but it is difficult to watch.I feel how upsetting this is and remembering what they have been growing up is hurtful when it is thrown all away for them wanting independence and to explore the world. There is nothing wrong with that apart from the decisions my son has made to abandon the family completely, that is what we are struggling with. Thank you for the suggestion re the counselling. ... View more

Thanks for your reply mrskode, I hate that other families are going through similar things but it is supportive to know I am not alone. The communication barriers seem the hardest and even though we try to instill strategies throughout their lives I feel the immaturity shows through even though they repeatedly remind us that at 18 they are adults and can do what they like. It is the lifelong damage or consequence that worries me the most. I think they do need to learn from their mistakes but not at the cost of things they cant retract.My son is heading down the path of the law dealing with him but he has no fear of consequence and I can see this will impact later in life to get a job etc. Thanks again and goodluck with your daughter, it is hard to do tough love and to recognise that her behaviour affects the whole family and sometimes you do have to protect other family members. ... View more