Security Guard?

Honestly, how many other parents out there, when their teenagers'  school is cancelled for the day (and their own is not) have to spend 30 minutes in "lock-down" mode before heading for work??? I KNOW they are going to break into the bedroom in all that unsupervised down-time.. so what can I tolerate knowing they are going to take, and what do I need to put in the lock box along with the matches, meds, and other more dangerous items,  because it's disappearance will just infuriate me beyond repair?  Don't forget to change the combination.. hide the Wii remote because they are not responsible with their Netflix choices, leave out some snax in the hopes that there might be something remaining in the fridge for dinner, and oh.. better make it a "bring an item along to work day" for that particular thing because that's the only place it is a surety that it will not be taken... Exhausting on all levels. I know there are probably some of you out there who  upon reading this will  determine that if things are really this bad then my 13 and 14 year old daughters should never be left home unsupervised and I should just stop being selfish and take the day off myself.. Well. Maybe so, but then call me a bad mom because I am just not willing to sacrifice the needs of the 6 clients who need my time as well just so I can play security guard to the two we "need" me at home. I'm just not going to do it..

"Driving the Ship"

Things continue to be progressing in a much more positive direction now that I have decided to take back the control of my my challenging child. We recently met with an area high school we had been considering sending her to next year, and I was surprised at how quickly and easily I was able to come to the decision that NO.. this was not the place for her. After doing some research I was able to find an unexpected avenue,  and I think we have successfully found her a landing spot and an alternative high school program that should be just right for her. Of course, every day is not a good day, but all is better overall and I can tell that as she feels more "held" and that the adults in her life feel like they are "in charge and in control"  -  she is much better able to regulate. We are moving in the right direction.