I agree with everyone else, but also, to hell with that family. That's really mean behavior. Her DH is clearly the best of that bunch.

Good for you, Attolia. You won't regret embarking on this transformation.

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: This can feel spirit-killing, but try not to lose hope!

I agree that it is nearly impossible to force a 16yo to do something they don't want to do. All you can reasonably do is set up structure and consequences and hope they make good choices. Right now it is pretty clear that he doesn't want to do what he needs to do to be successful. I understand that he doesn't understand that his way does not work, but all you can do is let him learn from the consequences. It looks to me like he he engages in a lot of escape behavior trying to avoid doing what you want him to do. I would set up clear expectations and consequences. You really can't control if he does his work or not, but you can say "We expect you to have no missing assignments in your online classes, and you will not have access to the car/video games/whatever until you are up to date." and stick with that. I don't know his backstory from last year, but since he is no longer participating in counseling alone, I would encourage family counseling that he ideally attends too. It sounds like you and DH could use support and guidance in dealing with him for the next few years. Good luck! This parenting thing is NOT for the weak! :grouphug:

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Is he receiving professional help for his behavioral issues? That is likely affecting this situation as well. It sounds like he possibly needs more oversight and being held to a study schedule and a screen schedule. We were able to simply turn off the data on my DS's phone when he was not going to bed on time; we set the schedule online and his phone had no data 10pm-6am. You can put your router on a timer too. Since he is actually failing classes, at my house there would be big consequences like video gaming systems being removed (if he is wasting time on those or up at night on those) and social outings also removed. I agree with your plan to have him finish the other classes, get a job, and repeat 11th grade. A job in the animal care industry would be perfect so he can keep his long-term goal in mind. Does he understand how precarious his admission to a competitive college is at this point? :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: to you, mama. We just want them to be successful and get what they want out of life.

All of the above.

The dress you linked is totally appropriate. I am so sorry for your loss :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

The Middle

Another vote for VERY inappropriate and weird. And your husband should not have shown her that information.

Mine is too, but there were still two unknown people listed as followers when I followed Melissa's protocol. :confused1:

Maybe Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park would work?

Homeschool Potpourri is definitely NOT a venue for a group meeting, though. It's absolutely packed with curricula and toys, kind of hoarder-like.

I don't know, but the current general recommendation is to concentrate hard for 25 minutes and then take a break, so perhaps that will help you? :grouphug: :grouphug:

I'd pack my Merrell boots, which are waterproof and look something like this: http://www.merrell.com/US/en/chateau-tall-pull-waterproof/29559W.html?dwvar_29559W_color=J45530#cgid=women-footwear-boots&prefn1=bestFor&prefv1=Work%7CHiking%7CCasual&prefn2=technologyCollection&prefv2=Waterproof&start=1 They are comfortable and look good enough to go with anything basic/casual.

I'm happy that is is getting resolved successfully for you all. What a relief!

I am a liberal feminist. I met Betty Friedan. She treated everyone around her terribly; she was excruciating to be near. She was unrelentingly negative and critical about everything. I think she was the embodiment of negative stereotypes about feminists. I learned not to assume that prominent people are decent people.

Good job, mom. :)

I agree with the others. Don't contact them and don't even read what comes in the mail. Just completely ignore them. Your DD, a child, should not feel any responsibility for her grandparents' emotions or behavior. WTF. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

:grouphug: :grouphug: http://www.askamanager.org/ is a great site to read for support and job seeking strategies.

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: No matter the state of the relationship, we are never truly ready when a parent dies. Your situation sounds very painful. I am so sorry, Janeway.

"In Seattle we don't change our plans, we change our clothes." - my wise friend.

So, I guess this would be ok for a bottom layer shirt if you don't sweat much and weren't exposed to cold temperatures, but never wear jeans or cotton pants on a wet hike. The wicking action will draw up the wetness and expand the total area of the damp.

Don't wear cotton. It absorbs water and stays wet. If you don't have pants for camping/hiking made of synthetics, then yoga pants will do fine. Wool socks are also strongly preferred over cotton. Dress in layers with a waterproof shell. If you have time before you go, buy good quality hiking boots but make sure you have time to wear them/break them in before you hit the trail. They will likely be water-resistant but not waterproof. Change into dry socks regularly to avoid foot problems. Have fun!

But there are birds in Costco all the time! Don't they get fined?

My DD has a bully like this and we are avoiding her at all costs. Even being in the same classroom leads to false stories and accusations. I asked the school to keep them in separate classrooms and we drop activities that the liar joins. It's just too risky.