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-   -   Unruly 7 year old headed for big trouble (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=205704)

  • Apr 14, 2008, 10:31 AM
    achampio21
    Unruly 7 year old headed for big trouble
    HI again everyone. I last posted a question about adoption and grandparent visitation. Now I have a question about my daughter.

    She is 7 years old. And about 3 1/2 years ago my mother began babysitting for her while I worked and went to college. She (my mother) had just gotten on SS Disability. So she had nothing to do anymore but involve herself in everyone else's lives. At the time her being my mother I thought that her babysitting would be the best thing ever! I paid her and I figured my daughter was being treated very well since hse was the grandbaby. Little did I know that my own mother would slit my throat in a heartbeat if it meant her getting something out of the deal.

    So anyway long story short I cut all ties with my mother exactly 7 months after she began babysitting (prior to babysitting she had minimal contact with her) got a restraining order because she went psycho and battled her for 2 years in court over visitation only to lose. So for the past year that woman has had forced legal visitation with my daughter for one weekend every other month from 6pm Friday until 6pm Sunday unsupervised.

    Prior to my mother babysitting my daughter was VERY well behaved, potty trained and in preschool at age 3. Total sweetheart and everyone was her best friend. When my mother began babysitting she did all things I asked and only occasionally went against my rules for my daughter. I figured it was just grandma being grandma at the time. My daughter went 2 years without seeing her and was making honorroll in school. Never had behavior problems from her except the occasional normal tantrum. And was very outgoing and wanted everyone to be her friend.

    Since the court ordered visitation began, my daughter has slowly turned into my mother. Hatefule, spiteful, mean, vindictive, sneaky. Lies, steals, and is very aggressive towards me and my fiancé. She will tell me right to my face that she doesn't like rules and will do whatever she wants. And that she gets in trouble all the time because she hopes that will make me not want her and then she can go live with my mother where there aren't any rules. She will got to a visit and for three weeks afterwards she will get in trouble every day at school and will mouth off at home. Then she will finally begin to calm down. But still gets into trouble at least 2-3 times a week at school and very often at home.

    Now don't get me wrong I am NOT a passive parent who thinks I need to be my children's best friend and buy their love or talk to them like they are grown ups. In my house I am the boss and they do as I say or they get punished. Now, don't misunderstand. I am not a big fat meany in my house and don't allow fun or play with my children. I am the biggest kid you'll ever meet. I play dress up and I play barbies still and I race cars on the floor. I am a heck of an artist with sidewalk chalk and I can just about make any disney creation out of pancakes. But when it is "business" time. I put the hammer down. I do not beat my children but I believe in spankings. Most of the time I make my youngest son (2) go sit down when he is being bad, which kills him more than anything.

    But with my daughter... I have tried everything!! From spankings, to time out, to corner time, to major chores, to no TV, to nothing in her room but a bed and her clothes, to going straight to bed after she gets home and is fed. We have gone out to dinner and if she got introuble that day she ate spaghetti o's at home while the rest of the family has steaks out. And I am here to tell you that my daughter has the stubbornness of her mother. And she WILL NOT BREAK. She doesn't care what you do to her she is still going to do whatever she wants. Now at 7 it isn't that bad. But I want to head it off now. Counselors at school can't even get through to her. In her littl mind my mother has convinced her that she doesn't have to follow ANYBODIES rules and she can do whatever she wants whenever she wants and if anyone tries to punish her for it she can call the cops and tell them I hit her and she will get her way. Can I remind you that she is ONLY 7!! Now when I was 15 and mouthed off to my father he gave me a black eye and a busted lip. And believe me, I NEVER mouthed off to him again. But this day and age and given that she is a way bit younger than I was that is not an option. Not to mention I would go to jail and lose my other two kids.

    So other than eliminating my mother, which is not possible at this time.( believe me I have been trying for 3 years now) and other than locking my daughter in her room and serving her ham sandwiches andwater for a week (believe me I thought about it :o ) Does ANYONE have any ideas on how to tame this wild child before she becomes dangerous to my boys, myself and/or herself??
  • Apr 16, 2008, 06:19 AM
    achampio21
    I am guessing that maybe this question is too long?? Or am I just on my own with finding a solution?
  • Apr 16, 2008, 06:34 AM
    Lula001
    Hi there, your situation sounds like a real problem and I can understand why you want it sorted, I am afraid that I have no real solutions for you either, I used to get this problem when my daughter used to visit her dad, she used to come back and be a totally different person, I know it is easier said than done, but have you tried just totally ignoring her till she behaves, knowing that she will have no audience sometimes works, just walk away and go and do something else, I think that the theory is that, if she has no audience, then there is no need to play up.

    The other thing is that, is something happening at your mothers that she doesn't know or doesn't have the words yet to tell you about?
  • Apr 16, 2008, 06:44 AM
    achampio21
    Thank you Lula, My fiancé and I are now doing just that. When she gets in trouble we just act like it isn't a big deal and when she gets home she folds her laundry and eats dinner and goes straight to bed.

    Regarding the other... I really wouldn't doubt it. But considering that I have been told by my lawyer that I cannot "interrogate" her when she comes back from the visit our hands are tied. I guess on that aspect I will have to just see if she tells me something. I have the teachers at school keeping track of any odd statements she says and they call me from time to time. Believe it or not her school is the ONLY one that seems to be on MY side. Everyone else seems to think it's not a big deal because of it being "grandma".

    Thank you again.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:01 AM
    Gernald
    Have you spoken to grandma? You need to tell her about your daughters behavior problems and how worried it has you that she will not do well in school. If the problem is your mother then she is the one who needs to be addressed. This might kill you but maybe buy some flowers or tea or something... and go over to your mothers house without any of your other children and have a type of one on one. If your daughter will listen to grandma then maybe life will be better for you if she actually likes you and if you pretend to suck up to her. Explain your worries and fears about all your children and let her talk about your daughter and maybe mention how stubborn she is and that your sorry you were ever so stubborn.

    As for at home I'd suggest doing what your already doing or perhaps calling supernanny from that TV show. I mean you don't want your daughter to hate you, but you do need her to respect you... if you go any further in punishment... sandwiches in her room for a week for example she really will hate you. On the other hand, maybe she's acting out for attention maybe take her for a day with just the two of you to the mall or the movies and dinner and try to talk to her about all of the reasons she hates you.

    Hope you're able to tame the beast.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:08 AM
    achampio21
    Thank you Gernald. I would love to tell you that going to my mother's house is an option. But it's not. If I so much as come close to her she will call the cops and do everything she can to have me arrested. If I know ANYONE, I know her. And her ultimate goal here is not in the best interest of anyone. She is out for blood and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. My father died a year ago January. His last request on his death bed (this came from HER lawyer to mine) was to see me and my daughter before he passed on. My mother refused. She would not even allow me at the funeral. A woman that will not grant the dying wish of her own husband of 25 years has to tell you what kind of person she is.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:22 AM
    Gernald
    Maybe call her first then.
    I guess the good news is that people who are married for forever usually die around the same time. I don't know if that's good or bad... but I guess it's a positive for you. :)
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:37 AM
    Sarah48375
    Did you talk about grandma while she's in ear shot? I know you were doing what was best for the child, but all your daughter saw was that you were taking away someone she loved and loved her. That is really hard for a little girl to accept. She is sooo young. My daughter is 6, I didn't realize they had honor roll at such a young age, but that's good she was doing do well.

    Your mother must have been doing very bad things because it would take a lot for me to take the people my daughter loves away from her. Your daughter must be extremely confused. From your previous posts you must have sworn her not to tell your mother about your other children. I can't imagine how hard that would be on a little girl. My daughter wouldn't be able to handle it.

    Honestly, I think you should take your daughter to talk to someone. A professional, non-bias, person, who she can eventually feel comfortable enough with to share her concerns. She can't talk to you because you're the one that took grandma away, so she talks to grandma, and grandma agrees with her. She thinks that you're wrong, and you hurt her and grandma. You need her to talk to a safe person. Someone you know will not bash you. This person can't be you because she no longer trusts you.

    Personally, I think the best and easiest way to fix this issue is to be civil with grandma. I know your mom did some awful things, but you sound pretty angry and bitter yourself. If your mother is not a threat to your daughter, maybe you should have a civil relationship. That's what I've had to do with my daughter's father. He did awful things. He ruined my credit, cheated, verbal abuse, etc, but as far as my daughter is concerned, her dad and his fiancé are my best friends. Now that there is nothing left for you to fight, you might as well make it work for your daughter.

    You need to remember, it's not about you. It's not about your mother. It's about your daughter. Even if you punish her into submission, she is still going to be messed up in the head because of this mess.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:41 AM
    Sarah48375
    Sorry, I wrote the whole get along with grandma thing before I saw your last post.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 07:44 AM
    Gernald
    ... I'm still baffeled as to why the court granted custody to the women who you have a restraining order against. (you did say there was a restraining order didn't you?)
  • Apr 16, 2008, 08:30 AM
    achampio21
    Yes, I still have a restraining order valid until Feb of 2009. I am baffled myself. The very same judge that granted the restraining order granted the visitation. I was shocked. My mother's argument was that she had "raised my daughter and that I never saw her and that she took her to school and the doctor etc." Iwent to court with proof that all of it was lies I had the doctor testify, I had the teacher testify and I had my landlord testify. She still got visitation. But whatever.

    In regards to me taking my daughter away from my mother... She only had her a couple of hours a day a couple days a week for 7 months before I cut all ties. And before I cut all ties I slowly shortened the visits. I warned my mother 3 times that if she did not follow the rules I set in regards to my daughter I would not let her see her. She still went against me and I said no more. I do not talk badly of my mother around my daughter, in fact I don't talk about the situation at all in front of my daughter or where she can hear. I grew up watching my mom beat the crap out of my dad and my dad take it my whole freakin life. I refused to do that to my kids. I prayed for them to get a divorce. I don't want my kids to feel the same about us.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 08:38 AM
    achampio21
    I am going to be totally honest in the most crude way. I know that by saying this I am putting myself in a position to be criticized but it is the truth and I am not a very good liar.

    I will NOT ever have anything to do with my mother again. I refuse to allow it. I don't care if she begged and pleaded and swore she had changed. I know that she is one of the biggest scam artist, fake, using people I have ever met or heard of. I spent my whole life with her and I will NOT let her influence my kids EVER again. I can't wait for her to die for two reasons... she will be gone from my life and God can decide where she belongs. I told my fiancé that when I die if I go to Heaven and I see her there I will forgive her. Because if God can, I can. But I am here to tell you I doubt VERY seriously if that woman will make it there. I truly believe that she thinks that she is even better than HIM. That woman took a trip to Arizona and had the church pay her bills and help with the trip by telling them she had to go to a hospital out there. She stood IN the church and LIED to the PREACHER. She did NOT go to a hospital, I know because I went also. I found out about the lie when we came back and I went to church with them and everyone asked me what the hospital had said. I told them the truth and my mother did not speak to me for a week. She told the church that I was confused and I was on drugs. They still continue to help her pay her bills. And she makes plenty of money. She LIED straight-faced to a man of God in the HOUSE of GOD. And didn't miss a beat. I doubt a murderer could do that.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 09:46 AM
    talaniman
    Your child can benefit from some counseling, and have this done through her school, and a regular doctor visit, can also help in guiding you for some help in improving your child's behavior, and in finding remedies. It will also give you a chance to know what grandma is doing during visitations. Good Luck.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 10:02 AM
    O_Troubles
    I know you said you tried everything for 3 years to stop visitation but with that bad of behaviour issues its hard to understand. Like report cards from before and now combined with a phyk evaluation would show an obvious change for the worse in this little girl. Also can't you just bluff it can say you have to move and get far away from your monther? This poor daughter of yours is getting fed lies by your mother so that she would want to move in with her.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 10:38 AM
    achampio21
    We have moved once already. And my daughter told her our new address, which she learned because the school system thinks every child needs to know their phone number and address. But even if we moved from Indiana to California she would still get visitation rights. I would have to pay to fly her here and she would have to pay to fly her home. We are doing counseling through her school and I have the teacher and doctor doing everything they can. But I am telling you for whatever reason the state of Indiana gives grandparents A LOT of rights. I am beginning to think she has more rights than I do. But I appreciate all of the ideas. I am sure at some point we will come across one that works or I haven't tried yet!! THANK YOU ALL!!
  • Apr 16, 2008, 10:43 AM
    O_Troubles
    Move to a state with less grandarental rights ! I almost want to say even though this is horrible advie if your daughter wants freedom give it to her. Wait till a spring or summer break don't cook for her or clean show her it actually sucks not having rules but of couce if your mom found out you'd be in a lot o' trouble or let her sleep over at a friends houses show her everyone has rules. Or even a boot camp. It couldn't hurt and its good for kids they say so your mom couldn't twist that too much but I hope you find a solution.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 11:02 AM
    Gernald
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by O_Troubles
    move to a state with less grandarental rights ! i almost want to say even tho this is horrible advie if your daughter wants freedom give it to her. wait till a spring or summer break dont cook for her or clean show her it actually sucks not having rules but of couce if ur mom found out you'd be in alot o' trouble or let her sleep over at a friends houses show her everyone has rules. or even a boot camp. it couldnt hurt and its good for kids they say so ur mom couldnt twist that too much but i hope you find a solution.

    Weren't you listening?? She can't move because her mum will still have visitation and she'll have to pay for plane tickets. Good idea about the not doing anything for her, but it could backfire by her mum saying that she dosen't take care of her children or something.
  • Apr 16, 2008, 11:06 AM
    O_Troubles
    I realise that but if she moves to a state with less parental laws I'm sure she would invest the money to get rid of her mother (if she had it) also I realsie that my other suggestion could backfire I said "if ur mom found out you'd be in alot o' trouble" but its my advice don't like it don't follow it . I think at this point boot camp would be an option
  • Apr 16, 2008, 06:40 PM
    N0help4u
    Here is a site you might be interested in

    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takea...808?1208396307

    I think maybe next time you have to go to court over this maybe get your daughters school to go with you and let the Judge know they see a problem with her behavior since being with grandma.
  • Apr 17, 2008, 08:51 AM
    achampio21
    Thanks again for all the answers and ideas. I have her teacher keeping a log of her behavior and I sign off on it every week so that there is proof that I have seen it. My daughter has already thrown away notes sent home from her teacher and stolen money from a girl on the bus because I quit giving her money to get snacks at school. The teacher took the money from her and contacted me through a note. Since I didn't call her she called me and we agreed that is how it will be done from now on. I spoke with my attorney yesterday. And I have a visit coming up the end of this month. The last visit my mother took my daughter to the er at 11pm on Friday night for what she decided was acid reflux. Yeah to the er for some burping and gas. While at the er she changed all of my daughters contact info to her address and phone number. And she NEVER called me to let me know that she was at the er, which is in the court orders. So this time around I have a dr's appointment scheduled the day of the visit and a dentist appoint for the day before and I am buying my daughter a purse that will have my phone number in permanent marker on the bottom. (her excuse for not calling was she didn't have our number, even though my lawyer and her lawyer gave it to her and it was on the court orders which she signed) And I have alerted all the surrounding hospitals of the problem and that I am to be contacted ANYTIME my daughter comes there. So we will see what happens this next visit. If some more backwards sneaky crap goes on I will be taking her back to court and I have decided that if after ALL the evidence I have the judge still allows visitation I am going to ask the courts for the paprework to sign that will make my daughter a ward of the state. If I have to sacrifice my daughter who wants to live with her anyway to save my other two and the courts won't help me I guess I will have to.
  • Apr 17, 2008, 04:30 PM
    talaniman
    Your doctor can give you a referral for a good private counselor, make sure he knows the whole story of her behavior.
  • Jul 21, 2008, 10:48 AM
    achampio21
    OKAY! Thought I would give an update and ask another question. I was told if it is pretty closely related to keep in this thread. And you were all so helpful.

    My mother has taken it upon herself to inform my daughter that she can go live with her biological father. So now she cries every night for her "real" daddy. Doesn't call my fiancé daddy anymore and tells me regularly that she wants to go live with him and doesn't want to live with me anymore.

    I have tried it all. The counselor says to let her go if she wants to go. Even the counselor says she doesn't seem to have any emotional problems but rather seems to be suffering from the traditional "spoiled-brat" syndrome. He says she basically has everyone figured out and believes she can manipulate all of us into getting what she wants. She has even told the counselor that she will runaway from home every night when she gets older. He told her that will just get her sent to juvenile and she says to him "my meme said that juvenile is to crowded to take runaways anymore so I wouldn't stay very long, and mommy will get sick of it and get rid of me sometime" I have it on tape. I get to listen to that anytime I want. The only reason she doesn't want to live with me is "because I don't want to follow rules, meme doesn't have any rules. I even get to jump on the bed and eat in my room at her house". So my daughter hates me because I make her follow rules. Go figure. I'm such a BAD parent for having rules. :rolleyes:

    So, my question is this... how do I go about transferring custody over to daddy?

    Any help or advice would be great. I have researched it on the internet but only find things like visitation and things related to the mother having custody and support payments, etc..

    Thanks again in advance! ~
    Champ
  • Jul 21, 2008, 10:53 AM
    N0help4u
    When she says that juvie is too over crowded the reply should be that then child protective services can take her off her parents and place her in a foster home or an institution for kids who have nowhere to go. I agree she has learned how to push everybody's buttons and you all need to get together and agree to all have to agree on things rather than let her get away with the old If mommy says I can't go to the movies I will ask daddy.
  • Jul 21, 2008, 11:20 AM
    achampio21
    Well, I totally agree with you. But I think I should specify. If she goes to her daddy's I won't visit. She will live with him for a full school year and the summer. The last day of July she will have to make a decision... live with me and follow my rules and visist with "meme" and "real daddy" or live with "real daddy" and not see me. I know that is harsh, but I'm tired of playing her games and I have 2 other children to worry about.

    If she is big enough to play mind games with grown-ups then she is big enough for a nice healthy dose of real life. Maybe that is too harsh. But I'm telling you, I am close to calling the cops on her now on a regular basis. I know it sounds like an easy way for me, but I think it's high time real daddy steps up and starts dealing with some of the problem. He has been taking all of the glory and none of the pain for 8 years.

    What do you think?

    PS I called about boot camp/military schools they don't take kids unless they are 16 and kicked out of or dropped out of school and they are EXPENSIVE! More than a 4 year college degree!!
  • Jul 21, 2008, 11:27 AM
    N0help4u
    I would say it might be best to send her to dads IF he is going to be tough on her to where she wants to be back with you. If she thinks she is going there to have it easy and no rules she does need a good dose of reality.


    I think if you go through the daytime shows you don't have to pay but I am not sure on that.
  • Jul 21, 2008, 11:39 AM
    achampio21
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by N0help4u
    I would say it might be best to send her to dads IF he is going to be tough on her to where she wants to be back with you. If she thinks she is going there to have it easy and no rules she does need a good dose of reality.


    I think if you go through the daytime shows you don't have to pay but I am not sure on that.


    He is just as tough as I am, his wife is also. And they have a son. I think it would be good for her to see that rules aren't just in MY house.

    The daytime show thing... I don't prefer to put my business on national television. But thanks for the idea. It prob is free if you go that way.
  • Jul 21, 2008, 11:59 AM
    N0help4u
    Yeah but as a last resort when she turns 16 you might be desperate enough---hopefully not
  • Jul 21, 2008, 12:17 PM
    achampio21
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by N0help4u
    yeah but as a last resort when she turns 16 you might be desperate enough---hopefully not


    LOL very true Nohelp. Very true! Thank you!! I will post again to let everyone what happens if/and she goes.

    Thank you a bunch!

    Champ
  • Jul 21, 2008, 12:45 PM
    liz28
    If her living with her dad don't work or if you want to try something else, you can look into her doing some community service because in some areas they can make this happen and the youngest, for some children is 6. Also, they have many scare straight programs, again in some ares, for kids. I went to one in the 4th grade and it was scary and some where I never wished to go.
  • Jul 21, 2008, 12:57 PM
    achampio21
    Wow liz28! Thanks. I never heard of those I will def. look into them!! THANK YOU!
  • Jul 21, 2008, 01:02 PM
    N0help4u
    I heard of the scared straight things but I forgot about them because they don't seem very publicized.
    scared straight programs - Google Search

    You can look for an 800 # or type scared straight program and your state in the search engine
  • Jul 21, 2008, 06:25 PM
    talaniman
    I think some time with Dad is a very good idea, why wait until she is 16?
  • Jul 23, 2008, 10:49 PM
    hjpan
    Child counseling & therapy?
  • Jul 25, 2008, 07:42 AM
    achampio21
    All right. Well I found out that my little county doesn't have scared straight programs. And the closest big city I called said that 8 years old was "a little young doncha think". So whatever. Obviously they want to wait until she has been to juvenile a few times.

    Also, my lawyer is now giving me the runaround because he has become big time and has murders and crap on his plate and seems to not have time for my little problems. But he still wants my money. Hmm go figure.

    Looks like I have to find a new lawyer too!!
  • Jul 25, 2008, 07:55 AM
    talaniman
    Talk to DAD!!
  • Jul 25, 2008, 07:58 AM
    achampio21
    I still have to go through the courts talaniman. Dad and I have talked. He is okay with anything I decide. But he pays support and I am not going to continue to take his money if he has her. So I still have to go to court to transfer physical custody and stop his payments.
  • Jul 25, 2008, 08:28 AM
    Sarah48375
    I have a seven year old, and if she was acting the way you describe, I'm not sure I'd be able to control my temper. I don't have any valuable advice, but I know that my daughter is still my baby. I can only imagine how much your heart has to be hurting. You shouldn't have to go through all of this crap till she is a teenager. For your sake, I hope mom kicks the bucket soon... OK I know that's a little harsh... forgive me! But you deserve to have your baby back.
  • Jul 25, 2008, 08:43 AM
    MsMewiththat
    I didn't read much of anything prior to what was written today, so forgive me if this has been discussed already. Raising children is a very important responsibility. I'm not going to be harsh, but I am going to be real with you. Stop making excuses for why your daughter behaves the way she does. Communicate with her and let her know it stops now. YOU ARE THE PARENT. I see much of what you are doing as wrong. First and foremost, no you can't punish the rest of the children when you have to punish her, but taking away meal time and changing what she is allowed to eat is not at all fair. This type of rationale is most likely carried over into other areas in your dealings with her and she is growing resentful. Treat her with respect. Have boundaries, be firm, stick with the rules and be persistent. I am not saying that your daughter may not be challenging you, I'm sure she is. You are the adult. My child would come home from visits with big ideas and stories it's our duty as parents to handle it very carefully but not to feed in to it. You know what it's about so don't give in to it. One question for you though? Do the other kids visit grandma too? Why is she the only one that comes home with problems?
  • Jul 25, 2008, 10:14 AM
    achampio21
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MsMewiththat
    I didn't read much of anything prior to what was written today, so forgive me if this has been discussed already. Raising children is a very important responsibility. I'm not going to be harsh, but I am going to be real with you. Stop making excuses for why your daughter behaves the way she does. Communicate with her and let her know it stops now. YOU ARE THE PARENT. I see much of what you are doing as wrong. First and foremost, no you can't punish the rest of the children when you have to punish her, but taking away meal time and changing what she is allowed to eat is not at all fair. This type of rationale is most likely carried over into other areas in your dealings with her and she is growing resentful. Treat her with respect. Have boundaries, be firm, stick with the rules and be persistent. I am not saying that your daughter may not be challenging you, I'm sure she is. You are the adult. My child would come home from visits with big ideas and stories it's our duty as parents to handle it very carefully but not to feed in to it. You know what it's about so don't give in to it. One question for you though? Do the other kids visit grandma too? Why is she the only one that comes home with problems?


    Okay. First off. I don't make excuses, I am being honest. She knows I am the parent and she knows what she is doing is wrong and she still does it. She sees a counselor and even the counselor says she is well aware of her actions and the consequences that will occur when she does what she does. She just simply doesn't care. She knows that I can't whoop her, she knows I can't scream at her, she knows I can't truly punish her. My mother has told her all of the things that consititute child abuse and told her to call 911 anytime it happens. Even YELLING at a child can be considered child abuse if the officer wants to enforce it. She has also been told all she has to do is tell them I am threatening her and they will arrest me. She tells me right to my face that she can do whatever she wants and nothing will happen to her.

    I don't take away meal times. I feed my child 3 times a day. The only thing I do is if my fiancé and I had a dinner date planned and she got in trouble that day she will eat at home before we go and not eat out with us. Her brothers are 1 and 2. So it's not like they get steak dinners and she gets bread and water. I feed her very well. (I love to cook and I am not mean).

    Her brothers do not visit with my mother because she didn't include them in her visitation battle. She has never seen either of my sons and I will go to my grave before I let her. One child messed up is enough. I won't let her screw the other two up.

    My daughter just recently was caught with her hand over my littliest one's mouth and nose. I removed her hand, picked up the baby, and asked her calmly what she was doing. She stated, "I wanted to hear this show and he was crying and being annoying." I was shocked. I asked her is she realized that she could kill him doing that, and she responded by shrugging her shoulders and staring at the TV. I had to walk away.

    I am telling you, me describing it on here does not even come close to doing the situation justice. It is horrible. My hands are tied and I am afraid to go to sleep at night for fear of waking up and my sons are dead.

    As horrible as it sounds I feel like the parents in the horror flick "Chucky". Or pet Cemetery by Stephen King. She was my little doll baby growing up. She was so sweet and loved her mommy soooooo much. She would dance with me and sing with me and want me to hold her hand and would run to me and kiss me every time I got home. Now she just can't stand me. And won't even hug me.

    I know it isn't her fault. I also know she prob doesn't totally comprehend what she is doing. But I can't fix it. The counselor told me that when he talks to her she is calm and collected and very easy going. But the things she says just blow him away for as young as she is. She is accurate in all of the legal info that she has and in all honesty is prob right about juvenile too. She knows her boundaries and doesn't mind to step over them whenever she wants. He used this analogy...

    "I know it sounds radical, but she seems to have the same mindset as a person on deathrow. She knows what she has done and continues to do is wrong but doesn't mind suffering the consequences. She understands fully that she is to follow the rules set forth by her mother but refuses because she just simply "wants to". She is well-aware of the fact that the older she gets the worse the consequences could become legally and she responds to that as "I will be good when I get what I want." "

    He doesn't think that counseling can necessarily "fix" her because she honestly doesn't believe anything is wrong with her and has been convinced that because she is a little kid she can do whatever she wants. She TRULY believes these things. So he says you can't fix someone that doesn't believe they are broken. And you can't convince them they are broken if they refuse to listen. Maybe if she remains in counseling throughout adolescence she will change, but he can't predict the future and who can really blame a child for taking full advantage of a situation where they know they can win.

    And one more thing, I can't treat someone with respect that doesn't respect me. I tried the whole "friends" thing. She worked me over real good. I tried the "I'm the parent, you are the child" thing and she laughed in my face. I tried the "ultamatum" thing and she didn't care. I have fought for 5 years to get her away from that woman and get my little girl back. But I am one person against a whole army, of which most of them are judges, CPS, and officers. I can't fight anymore. My son's are suffering because of this and that's not fair.

    I appreciate you being blunt and harsh. But I am telling you the God's honest truth when I say I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING!

    I want her out of my house and away from my sons. My head and heart battle over that very phrase 24/7/365. My head screams get rid of her, and my heart screams No, she's my baby girl. But I can tell you this, my 2 year old is already starting to act just like her. And I will be damned if I have 3 of them in my house that act just like my satanic mother.

    Can you really blame me at this point? I think I would try harder if I hadn't already fought this long. I have spent close to $20,000 JUST on lawyers. That doesn't include the bill for this counselor. I had to recently file bankruptcy just to get rid of my other bills so I could afford to pay the lawyers. I have almost lost everything trying to keep a child in my life that is trying everything to get out of it. It's like trying to save someone from drowning that is fighting you the whole way to shore. You either have to knock them out and force them to shore or risk going down with them. I can't knock her out and I won't go down with her. So my other option is to let her go and live with THAT freakin guilt for the rest of my life. And hope that looking at my 2 sons everyday will make it better.

    I really do appreciate any comments though. Even if they seem "harsh". I am lost at this point. And I am backed into a corner. I never imagined having to do this when I was rocking her 8 years ago and singing to her beautiful sleeping face.
  • Jul 25, 2008, 10:46 AM
    MsMewiththat
    I'm amazed at some of what you have written. She's a child. I'm not oblivious to the fact that there are children out there that are WAY OFF, but a lot of what you are saying makes no sense. If your mother was that bad, she raised you, have you sought any help to correct how you were raised and your thought process to date? It can't be everyone else and never you? If you choose to get rid of your daughter as apposed to understanding her and getting her help, what will be your solution when your boys display the same behavior, get rid of them too and blame it on your mother? You have to get help yourself. Please. I'm not trying to judge you, it's a fact. If your mother was that bad some of her is in you. Correct this and understand that children want to be good. She's screaming for help and understanding. Give it to her. Figure it out and fix it. Please. Whether you say it out loud or say it through action you are blaming her for a lot and she most likely feels it. What has gone wrong? I can't believe the amount of control you are giving a 7 year old? Who says you can't spank her. She would get wore the "H" out in my house and I dare you to call the police, I love you and these are your consequences. No option. Parenting classes are in deed necessary. You get out what you put in. Be careful, save your children. PRAY!

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