Deal with runaway/defiant child
:( I have debated where to post this question... normally I would opt for teen instead of children however most of "teen" looks to be from teens not about how to cope with them. My daughter and I have had many ups and downs and it isn't getting any easier. She left my home on July 8th after a major argument and has not come home. She knows I am worried sick. The last time I found her gone from my house in the middle of the night she threatened that she would not return unless I promised her she would be in no trouble and be allowed more freedoms. Keep in mind she had snuck out and actually planned to return had I not realized she was gone. At that time I told her nothing would happen because I was frantic and angry wanting her home safely. When she did get home I took her cell phone for 1 mo and grounded her for 2 weeks. I pay the cell bill. Anyway, again she is gone though this time as a runaway... filed the paperwork. I am so sick with worry. The night she left I later attempted suicide and almost succeeded. They kept me in the heart treatment wing for 2 days worried about the physical aspects of my overdose. This was not my best moment. The doctor said basically you had all this anger at her that you started with then turned on yourself. It's hard not to when she(my daughter) tells me I should just kill myself, etc. She has a wicked tongue and gets worse the more you tell her no. I cannot say I am a saint. Over the past year I have probably called her a at least 4-5 times. All I know is she is ruining my "today's" and possibly her "tomorrow's". I don't have money for a boarding school or she would be there. I am ambivalent about the juvenile justice system as I don't want her to learn how to be an even more difficult teen. I definitely plan on her having consequences but on the other hand am SOOOOO scared that my 16 yr old daughter is out there somewhere. Any advice is welcome. Take it easy with the negative as I am well aware of my faults. Thanks in advance.