Quote:

Boys typically do not develope their logical side of the brain until late teens or early 20's



and that's the early learners....

Seriously, now...
The best book I read (and contiunue to re-read as needed) is Get Out of My Life But First Will You Take Me and Cheryl to the Mall - (I think that's the title, I'm at work, don't have the book with me). It's about how to stay sane and deal with adolescent kids (girls and boys, even though the title is girly) once they start getting all crazy. And making us crazy.

Mark, I think the first step is for you to get your head straight- if you're all whacked out and out of control ( very understandable- he's your son and you want the best life for him, it's petrifying/paralyzing to see a kid heading in the wrong direction) it won't help and you'll just wind up feeling bad about yourself as a father. Get some help and support for yourself and Kimmy- school guidance office, counseling, church, somewhere.

I think drug testing is justifiable and I wouldn't wait on my daughter's "permission". I'm Emily's mother (she's 15) and it's my job to do everything I can to keep her safe. If she was drinking/getting high, she wouldn't come home and say, "Hey Mom, today I ate some Oxy-contin and had a few beers with my friends, it's what I do now, and that's why I'm withdrawn, defiant, moody and skipping school."

There's such a fine line between allowing natural consequences and intervening when kids start to act out.

"Let your soul shine, It's better than sunshine, It's better than moonshine, ****** sure better than rain." -ABB