Big Welcome to @syedkashan and @Illyrian  We are so glad you have joined the Reach Out Forums.   We love to get to know our new members, and welcome you to let us know a little about yourself. (Remember to remain anonymous!).  Some suggestions to get you started...   What led you to Reach Out? What is something you cherish about your teen/s? What is your favourite season and why? Also, check out our weekly discussion. This week is on Random Acts of Kindness! Click here to jump in! :) ... View more

Sending positive thoughts & love to you and your daughter @taokat      ... View more

Hi @LuckyGirl2000 Welcome to Reach Out and thank you for sharing your story.  It would be difficult knowing  your son has no close friends, and the experience with the psychologist sounds awful. My 17 yo daughter has experienced periods of loneliness, gone through different groups of friends and at times feels like she doesn't fit into any group at school... it is really heartbreaking.  There are some great resources in the Youth section of Reach Out.  Click Here  and Here to find some information on friendships and loneliness...  (I might actually go through them with my own daughter!) Hope you find them helpful.  ... View more

Hi @Alfiepup_17- Welcome to Reach Out and thank you for sharing your story.  It is heartbreaking watching your kids suffering.  Are you receiving any support for your daughter or yourself?  ... View more

A big welcome to ReachOut's newest members @watermelonsugar @Roxygirl and @Mummamags     It's awesome to have you here! Please feel free to start a new topic and our community will be happy to support you in whatever the issue that has brought you here.    You are also welcome to introduce yourself - to get started you could answer the following questions? (Remember to remain anonymous!) How many teens are in your care? What is something your teen has done recently that made you laugh? What do you do to relax? Look forward to seeing you on the forums :) ... View more

Hi @gina-Ro I love these ideas!  I already do some of these, but I'm going to make an effort to do more.  My boss gave me some flowers the other week to celebrate 2 years working with them, which was really lovely. This was a complete surprise - I didn't even know it was my work anniversary!  Its probably not the kindest gesture I have experienced, but one of the most recent. I think that every time someone likes a post or replies to a topic on the forums is an of Act of Kindness. Sharing experiences and providing support to someone you don't know, demonstrates empathy, compassion and kindness that is a great comfort to other parents. I want to applaud all our Reach Out community for doing an awesome job  ... View more

Today I am grateful for catching up with an old school friend I have not seen in about 6 years! and... also living in Australia - Always grateful how wonderful we have it in this country  ... View more

Hi @hippychick I really commend you for seeking a different educational experience for your son.  Some great responses from @Breez-RO and @Schooner.  I think @Schooner is right, students need a minimum attendance % and have to attend school on the day an assessment task is due, so I would check with the school about attendance requirements. Your son sounds like he is doing quite well academically, even though he does not attend every day so I don't understand why the school can not encourage him to finish high school if the alternative means dropping out - providing he maintains his grades and fulfills his attendance requirements.  Maybe talk to the teacher who is understanding about the best way your son can catch up on work when he is not at school.  Some kids struggle with school for a variety of reasons, but will flourish in the workplace or other study after school, so try not to let the coordinators comments discourage you too much.... You certainly don't sound like a bad parent to me. I hope that your son continues with 4 days a week, and passes his HSC exams to prove to the coordinator and himself that it can be done!  ... View more

Big welcome to our newest members @Simunye @ghostdogs @Falling2pieces and @plascosius  We are so glad you have joined the Reach Out Forums, where you will find many supportive and caring parents     We love to get to know our new members, and welcome you to let us know a little about yourself. (Remember to remain anonymous!).  Some suggestions to get you started...   What led you to Reach Out? What is something you cherish about your teen/s? What is something you do to treat yourself? Look forward to hearing from you soon  ... View more

Warm welcome to our newest members @Beauy @Orange @Melk5 and @SophieAndo      We love getting to know our members and this is the best place to let us know a little bit about you and what brought you Reach Out (remember to keep it anonymous!).   Here are some conversation starters to get you going...   1.  How old are your kids and what is something thing they have done to make you laugh? 2.  What led you to ReachOut Parents? 3.  Whats the best things about week ends?   Look forward to hearing from you soon  ... View more

Hi @Marklin and welcome to Reach Out... You ask a very good question.  It is a tricky topic as every teen is different in regards to their maturity, which includes their physical, mental and emotional maturity and every family and expectations are different.    I believe that it would be ok to talk with your sons girlfriends parents about the sleep over arrangements and any concerns that you may have.  You will feel more at ease if you know everyone is comfortable with the sleeping arrangements.  When I gave my daughter permission to first sleep at her boyfriends house for the first time, she told us that they were ok with it, however his parents had no idea she was staying over.  Her boyfriend was suppose to seek permission, but didn't... awkward!!  You also want to make sure that your son is staying in an environment that is safe and that he will be properly cared for, so I feel it would be ok to ask.    The legal age for consensual sex varies across Australia (16-17 years) so depending on what state you live in and the age of your sons girlfriend, legally they could be doing nothing wrong, but is is still hard as a parent to navigate this time. Reach Out has some good resources about sex and teens Click here and Click here   I didn't know my daughter was sexually active until after the fact.  I wish I had known before hand so I could have better prepared her, but I don't think she stopped to consider what advice her mum might have at the time!!  I have always told my daughter to be safe, make sure it is consensual and nobody does anything they are not comfortable doing. We have a pretty open relationship so I am fairly confident she follows this advice.      I think you have to do what you feel it is right.  Remember that teens don't need a night sleep over to be sexually active, and it is better to be safe than sorry.  All the best on what ever you decide, I am sure you will make the right decision for you and your son. ... View more

Hi @Caz01 so glad that you and your daughter have had a few good days, and you were able to sit down and talk.  One of the things that my daughters case worker recommended is wait until everyone was calm before attempting to talk about things. Even after a stressful situation, it can take sometimes 24 hours for the mind and body to completing calm down. Its really hard to pause before responding, but it works.   Some wonderful positive words from @sunflowermom. I didn't recognise my daughter when she was really sick. She looked the same, but nothing about her behavior, thoughts or actions reflected the sweet girl that I raised. It is now 1.5 years since my daughter got really sick, and while things are sometimes still a struggle... my sweet caring girl is back and we are closer than ever. Hang in there... things wont always be like they are now.  ... View more

Love that quote  @taokat x ... View more

Sorry for the delay...helping my daughter with an HSC assessment cause she has been feeling sick all day! I have been good @taokat.  Hope you have been well too?  A shame it is the last Fab Fridays I really enjoyed participating in them, although I have been MIA for a while.. ... View more

Hi @taokat love the Dr Suess quotes!   ... View more

Great photo @Schooner !   ... View more

Hi @HM911 sorry to hear about the struggles your son is going through and the stress and heartbreak you are experiencing. It is painful to see your kids hurting so much.  When my daughters depression was at its worst she was admitted to hospital on two separate occasions when we were concerned for her safety. Her first stay in hospital was in an adult ward (she was only 16 years old at the time) She rang me that night crying that she wanted to come home.  My heart was breaking.... I knew it was not the most ideal environment for her, but I knew she had to stay - for her safety as well as my peace of mind.  We managed to get her into an adolescent ward for her second stay in hospital, which was much more suited for her.     Although, It is challenging and difficult coping with the anger and the tantrums, it sounds like you have a close relationship with your son and it is of great comfort to your son to have you close by.    You mentioned your son was on medication. Discuss with the psychiatrist your options in regards to medication and hospitalisation.  You may be able to receive the right treatment without the need for a hospital admission.  A hospital stay will come with its own stresses and challenges, so best to get advice from your health professionals about how the hospitals can help.  Although, if you are ever concerned for your sons safety do not hesitate to take him to hospital.     One thing I would recommend, is making sure that you look after yourself - the one thing I did not do! I would have been a better person and parent if I got the help I needed at the time.   My daughter just turned 18. She is still on medication and has regular therapy to manage her depression, but the absolute worst is behind us, and I am grateful that our life has mostly gone back to "normal".     Please make sure to take care of yourself and continue to use the forums for support... there are many parents who have had similar experiences here to help  ... View more

Couldn't have said it better @taokat    ... View more

Totally agree @taokat  Behaviour is so often linked to whats going on inside ... View more

Its definitely exhausting @taokat I cant even begin to imagine what it is like for her when she is feeling low   ... View more

I try and pass on some wisdom to my daughter.  I think she hears some of it, depends on how she is feeling at the time.  Although, I certainly don't have all the answers.  What might work for me - may not work for her. ... View more

We have had a few ups and downs lately @taokat. Got her booked to see a new psychologist this week.   How have you and your daughter been? ... View more

Thanks @taokat Happy to be back! It's been too long...   ... View more

Great question to reflect back on life... I love everyone else's advice.  Be brave, try not to worry so much, enjoy the moment and don't wait too long to do what you want to do... just do it! ... View more

That's great that your daughter adores her new friends. Friendships are so important.  Hang in there @Moloko.  Sounds like you are doing all the right things.   ... View more

Hi @Moloko My daughter was so nasty and vicious to her friends and other kids from school (and me) when she was really sick. I honestly could not believe what was happening and it was so difficult to watch. Her behaviour was so unacceptable, and the worst thing was that this was not how she normally behaves and so out of character.  When she started getting better, she apologised to her friends and thankfully friendships slowly mended. Hopefully, when your daughter starts to feel better her friendships will improve.   Wise words @taokat  You can provide someone with all the right professional help and resources, but there has to be a choice made to accept the help. ... View more

Hi @Sister I am really good - thanks.  Glad it is Friday and looking forward to the weekend. How are you? ... View more

Wow.... @Sister making contact after 20 years. That must of been special.  ... View more

Oh no @Sister  Did you go on another date after that ?   ... View more