Without knowing the details, it's really hard to say. Is he depressed? Sick? Is she AFRAID of being with him? I know when DH or I have been in a rotten mood, my kids have strongly preferred not to be in our company. This goes beyond rotten mood, obviously, but ykwim. If he's truly been her parent her whole life (versus just an adult who has been around), I'd encourage counseling for him and possibly parenting classes. If you have any gut feeling that there is more to the situation, take her to talk to someone. It also sounds like some couples counseling might be beneficial. Good luck. ETA: I started posting before the additional information was added. It sounds like you know what you need to do. Listen to your gut.

It sounds like he needs more exercise and attention. Puppies are really social and really energetic, and beagles are a high energy breed. Do you have a SuperYard or some other way to puppy-proof the space? Wherever y'all are. Get him some good, sturdy chew toys like Kong or Zogoflex. Puppies are a ton of work! That's why we adopted slightly older dogs the last two times. Even then, the first few months are rough. Maybe adopting an older, trained dog for a playmate once you get your yard fenced? It won't replace human attention, but a friend can help burn off energy and entertain. Our dogs expend lots of energy chasing each other around the back yard. They still need to be walked at least 2 miles a day even when they get outdoor playtime. We try not to leave them outside without us for more than 5 minutes or so because they dig and get in trouble. If we're outside, they love to play fetch or just come get head scratches on their way to investigate another squirrel. When we had a very elderly dog and a younger, super energetic pup, we took the crazypants one to doggie day care once a week. She slept great those nights!

I wish my OB/GYN's office took my picture during my last pregnancy. Instead, they used a copy of my driver's license which has to be one of the worst photos ever taken of me. Whenever a new nurse would take me back, she'd look back and forth from me to the inside flap of my file. Oh well! :) From a HIPPA perspective, if your photo is in the file, the medical practitioner can identify you in the waiting room and call you back without using your name or disclosing anything to the rest of the patients. I don't see how they'd use your picture for any nefarious purposes.

I've seen scores like that in t-ball and early baseball. My son's 7 and has played 6 or 7 seasons. There have been quite a few 25 or more to 0-1-2ish games in a "balanced" league. Our old league played 5 innings, 5 runs or 3 outs per inning for t-ball. At age 7, there were 6 innings. The last inning is a free inning with no run limits. All the kids bat, there's not supposed to be any changes to the lineup order, and the kids rotate positions with no more than 3 innings played in the infield. You don't advance more than 1 base unless it's a home run (never saw one of those). Even in the next league up, the runner is not supposed to advance once a player has the ball under control. No stealing bases or lead-offs. In that league, kids get 5 pitches/3 strikes (machine or coach pitch) at the plate. Many times it was 3 up, 3 down, and no one on the losing team got to first base through no "fault" of the winning team! Sometimes one team has a horrible day and the other team doesn't. It's entirely possible with mercy rules in place and appropriate coaching to have blow out games. It's a lesson in good sportsmanship on both sides to handle a game like that gracefully. :) The only time we have been disgusted by the other team's behavior was when the home team was winning (by a large margin, though the margin was irrelevant) and their coach insisted they bat at the bottom of the last inning.

What do you do? Nothing. My DH cut out his parents after enduring much emotional abuse. About 2 years later, his brother did too, but not as unequivocally. They still try to contact BIL, drive by his house, etc. but have not come near us. Block her on FB, block her phone number, and don't look back. Her problems are HERS.

We have a 2008 Pilot and a 2011 Odyssey. My 9 year old whines about the leg room in the 3rd row of the Pilot. The Odyssey on the other hand is comfortable in the back even for my 6'2" father.

Noise machine? Music playing all night? My oldest DD went through a stage at 5.5. Then she grew several inches practically overnight! I would put a sleeping bag on your floor and tell him that he may lie quietly on that but may not wake you up unless there's blood or vomit. ;) Brainstorm sleepy, soothing things before bed and keep them in a basket. Book, special stuffy, etc. We have homeopathic Calms Forte. I've used it, but it's mainly for DH. Non-habit forming.

Georgia Cyber Academy is run by K12, so searching that may be helpful as it's nationwide. I saw this article back in November, but there haven't been any updates I've seen. It would stink to decide on it if their charter gets revoked. http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/georgia-doe-blasts-georgia-cyber-academy-threatens/nTBmZ/

Do you have a video camera on your phone? I'd try to video it and have that for the doctor's appointment.

He's handsome! We have two rescued Goldens. One is 95 lbs and had never seen a leash until we adopted her at almost 4. It's like walking an ill-behaved moose some days! A collar like this makes a huge difference: http://www.amazon.com/Herm-Sprenger-Collar-16-Inch-Millimeter/dp/B0006L0UGW/ Whatever size your doggie needs of course. Do you have a fenced in yard where you can tire him out before you try a walk? Lots of fetching first. :) Brian Kilcommons has several books that are really good. Website and YouTube videos as well.

Some of the best advice I've gotten: NO is a complete sentence. You can say "no" politely. With a smile even. But adding "sorry" or otherwise couching it gently does not work with some people. Clearly this neighbor has no problem being assertive with her needs and does not take hints. If the kid beats on your door, you tell him, "Honey, do not beat on my door. If you do that, the answer will always be no." And then follow through! :)

We have switched to a toothpaste with Xylitol and without fluoride. If your DD ate a whole tube, I think she'd just get the runs, which is better than fluoride poisoning. Or having to brush with vomit-flavored toothpaste. :) This one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001I90NUO

The Invention of Hugo Cabret isn't gross, but it is heavy on the sketches rather than words. It's a nice, thick book, so it feels like an impressive accomplishment to finish. :) Roald Dahl's The Twits is rather disgusting (in a good way) and got my DD to read other books of his.

Apple crisp or cobbler. If you have one of those apple peeler-slicer thingies that mount to a table, it would go fast. And kids think those are fun, so you can enlist helpers easily. :)

You are your child's advocate. If he's being harmed, you protect him. In the situation you described, I would remove my family from the group. I don't mind refereeing while another parent goes to the restroom or whatnot, but I'm not going to be the sole disciplinarian or spend my time worrying what another parent will think if..., especially not at the expense of my child. Sounds exhausting for you and awful for your kiddo!

Not okay. Would he go to marriage counseling? If not, would you go on your own? His attitude sounds very controlling. I'm sorry for you and all of your children. ETA: Do you have a separate bank account? Would you be able to set one up and deposit the child support checks in that?

I would put a comma after achievements if I were editing that sentence.

Do you have a subscription to Teacher File Box? I have Read and Understand Poetry on my list to try. There are 2 or 3 grade ranges I think. http://books.google.com/books/about/Read_Understand_Poetry_Grades_2_3.html?id=gWkp1mSgYlQC

I have a bunch of Old Navy tanks and a variety of lace-trimmed camis similar to this: http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/107/4/AAAAC6ogmuUAAAAAAQdPZQ.jpg?v=1289891395000 Mine are from Lane Bryant, but I've seen them at Kohl's, Target, just about everywhere. They usually come down longer, which is nice if the shirts are a little short. I wear regular support garment underneath; these are just for show. :)

What about giving DS a budget and letting him come up with some ideas?

Unless you are anti-evolution, I can't imagine what would be objectionable.

I've heard of people taking FishMox to treat themselves for a sinus infection. It's amoxicillin designed for fish tanks, but it's supposedly the same med as for humans. Not sure where you live, but if there are Publix grocery stores near you, their pharmacies fill most antibiotics for free. Of course you'd still need a prescription. :( Hope you feel better soon. Achy and feverish sounds more viral. Sambucol and ocillococcinum and Vitamin D are my voodoos of choice for viruses.

If no adult is trained to use an Epi-Pen, y'all should require the mom to stay on site.

Did she email you from her phone? My iPhone lists the contact names (e.g., "Mom" ) that I have entered. It also appears when my phone rings, or I get a text message. I once changed a friend's name to our Elf of the Shelf's so "Wilbur" could text the kids. Holy wow that's some nickname! I'm sorry. :( Any way it's a joint email? I could see my DH doing something silly for his brother. They try to get obnoxious pics of each other and mess with each other's phones.

Based on the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, it is legal for the schools to ask for a SSN but illegal for them to refuse enrollment if you decline to provide it. If the child's SSN is in some database, it is because the parent/guardian gave it to the school.