What a nightmare! I'm so sorry you're in this situation. In all honesty, family is family though and they do sound like great people, maybe just a bit rough around the edges. As a child my husband Mel apparently was left alone for long periods of time with access to various this that are unsafe for kids to play with. He told me all this and how he feels it made him a stronger person. That's obviously not true as he is a liar. BUT there may be SOME truth to it. The "it builds character" excuse is tired and trite but perhaps sitting down with these people and expressing your concerns while talking it out could be beneficial. Much love. ... View more

No, not at all. I don't really enjoy music. ... View more

This is heartbreaking. I had something similar with the oldest of my four kids. It was about two months or so of the silent treatment. Also similarly, Dad was out of the picture. Mel left us for...well, I won't go there. Point is, Joey, my oldest, started backtalking almost everything I said. Then it became no responses at all.  Long story short, he finally began speaking to me again out of the blue. He CLAIMED it was a schoolyard dare to see which of his friend group could go longest without speaking to their parents. I still don't quite believe that. But I truly hope your child snaps out of this phase. Much love. ... View more