Letting go of your 18 year old | | Hi
First time poster here. Please forgive my rambling... I need a little support here. Recently, our 18 year old daughter has had many problems showing respect to us, her parents. No other issues really, she doesn't drink/smoke/do drugs. Our only complaint is the way she speaks to us. I know much of this is very normal for her age group, I just have very little tolerance for this behavior.
Last week, My husband and I had a talk with her and said that we were no longer willing to accept this and she was going to have to either treat us with respect or leave our home. We have two boys sges 12 and 15. I told her I wasn't willing to let her show this example to her brothers any longer. I thought she would either come to reality or tell us that she was going to get an apartment with a friend.
Much to my surprize, her solution was to move in with another family. This is the family of her former boyfriend who took his own life almost two years ago. She has remained close to them.
I thought some tough love like living in a shabby apartment consuming mostly ramen noodles would help her be more appriciative of what we have given her. Backfire!!! Now she is moving to a home three times the value of mine. I would imaginge they don't eat much ramen.
I think I have come to terms with this arrangement, (ok I am getting there). What do I do when she comes home in a week hoping to do her laundry and wondering what's for dinner? Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Thank you! |