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Is it too much too soon? - 2008/05/01 19:38 Our son is almost 16 and finishing 1st yr of H.S.

He is a talented young boy. Gifted in athletics and has a strong intellect.

He volunteers regualrly for our towns Heavy Rescue Squad and likes the drills and people assoc'd with it.

He has dabbled in " thelighter side of" drugs but no consistent use. We have established a random drug testing program at home in coordination with our pediatrican so he knows our concerns and the consequences are very real.

His grades have never been spectacular but recently they have hit a new low. But he is currently trying to turn it around and attend to his responsibilities there,

He waffles between a being compassionate,caring, and engaged to being disconnected, defiant, and apathetic. At times he has a real problem with any authority just because it exists and can exert a level of control over his life either at school or at home. Most recently he got in the face of a school offcial and got a 1 day suspension. Other days he says things to my wife and I which are off the charts and in "my day" would have earned a slap in the face, though we have never hit him. Just wanted to!

Recently we have spent a lot of time talking to a specific "intervention" program and I would like feedback from anyone, who cares to share, if they think based on what we are dealing with is such a program too much too soon? He isnt in trouble with the law, he isnt a runaway, he isnt on drugs so again I ask is it too much too soon? Are we just "over the top" parents that are over reacting to typical teenage crap?

Post edited by: Scott, at: 2008/05/01 19:40
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Re:Is it too much too soon? - 2008/05/06 13:50 From your description, you are taking good care of your son and are handling his bouts with teenage issues (like defiance or drug trial) well. Establishing a random drug testing program at home is a great way to ensure that your son stays drug-free despite outside influences that may affect him. It appears that he is showing adolescent mood shifts from time to time but his general behavior is alright. It may be a good idea to focus on your communication lines between parent and son before you take one step further into intervention. Talk is essential. Conversing with your son after a day at school can be more beneficial than it seems. Spend time talking with him before you make the final decision to make sure that it's the right one.

Post edited by: tti_admin, at: 2008/05/06 13:53

Post edited by: tti_admin, at: 2008/05/06 13:57
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