Why is my teen-age daughter stealing?...

Brett's Honey · 04-21-2006, 01:27 AM

And I do honestly believe that being tough on kids does them a big favor in the long run. They are much better off if they have been prepared for that big bad world out there that they will have to face on their own soon.
My first husband (my kids' father) and I started out that way, but I'll admit things did change when our daughter was diagnosed with chidhood cancer at 1 1/2 yrs. old, our son was 4 at the time. Our lives changed so much, very suddenly. We didn't know how much longer we would get to "keep" our daughter, and I was gone with her for 160 days that year, in hospitals for chemo, radiation, blood tranfusions,.... a simple ear infection resulted in her being admitted to children's hospital for at least a week, and that hospital is over 100 miles away. When she had her bone marrow transplant in a hospital that is 6 hours away, her and I were gone for almost three months, and that time included my son's 5th birthday and Christmas.
So our established parenting techniques, along with every single thing else in our lives changed. Not to make excuses, maybe we handled it badly, but at the time we did the best we could. We did spoil our son after his sister died, but he is a very good kid, very respectful, and I don't think I've ever met a 19 yr old boy who has a bigger heart. Not a day goes by without him giving me a hug and saying "I love you, Mom". Every time he sees my Mom he does the same, when they talk on the phone, he always ends the call with "I love you, Granny".
My step-daughter, however, seems to be crying out (or screaming for!) some help or attention right now.
Thanks to all of your for your comments and suggestions. The reason I asked for your help is because I wanted input from you folks, whose opinions I value and trust. I greatly appreciate the input, I read every single reply to this thread, and think about and consider every suggestion. Thanks again!!.....

xoxoxoBruce · 04-21-2006, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Not to make excuses, maybe we handled it badly, but at the time we did the best we could.

That's what matters most. Even hindsight isn't always 20/20, there's no manual or crystal ball. Don't be too hard on yourself.

04-21-2006, 01:27 AM	#1
Brett's Honey whatever Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 308	And I do honestly believe that being tough on kids does them a big favor in the long run. They are much better off if they have been prepared for that big bad world out there that they will have to face on their own soon. My first husband (my kids' father) and I started out that way, but I'll admit things did change when our daughter was diagnosed with chidhood cancer at 1 1/2 yrs. old, our son was 4 at the time. Our lives changed so much, very suddenly. We didn't know how much longer we would get to "keep" our daughter, and I was gone with her for 160 days that year, in hospitals for chemo, radiation, blood tranfusions,.... a simple ear infection resulted in her being admitted to children's hospital for at least a week, and that hospital is over 100 miles away. When she had her bone marrow transplant in a hospital that is 6 hours away, her and I were gone for almost three months, and that time included my son's 5th birthday and Christmas. So our established parenting techniques, along with every single thing else in our lives changed. Not to make excuses, maybe we handled it badly, but at the time we did the best we could. We did spoil our son after his sister died, but he is a very good kid, very respectful, and I don't think I've ever met a 19 yr old boy who has a bigger heart. Not a day goes by without him giving me a hug and saying "I love you, Mom". Every time he sees my Mom he does the same, when they talk on the phone, he always ends the call with "I love you, Granny". My step-daughter, however, seems to be crying out (or screaming for!) some help or attention right now. Thanks to all of your for your comments and suggestions. The reason I asked for your help is because I wanted input from you folks, whose opinions I value and trust. I greatly appreciate the input, I read every single reply to this thread, and think about and consider every suggestion. Thanks again!!.....

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