Parenting is Tough

Last week my staff was working with a 14 year old male who had been in inpatient alcohol and drug treatment for about one week. During that initial week he was "throwing fits" claiming that he was going to convince his mother to take him out of the program. By the way his "fits" were major - picking on other kids, total noncompliance, and threatening behavior. I bring this up for one reason - to educate parents. The issue for this youth is that his mom had spent years allowing him to have his way when she couldn't handle the "fit" anymore. After a full day of working with the youth, the parent came to campus against recommendation BUT eventually decided that she was going to leave him in the program. Amazingly, five minutes later (and it was literally that short) he looked at our staff and said, "Well, I guess I'll work the program"! Two weeks later, he has had additional visits with his mother and still says he is going to "make her proud". So, what's the lesson for us (I include me!) as parents. Parenting is difficult and giving in to fits because we're uncomfortable, emabarrassed, etc. creates a child who does not take responsibility. Parents, be parents even when it's tought!