Annie
Diamond Member
- Nov 22, 2003
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Mr.Conley said:That's what I'm worried about. I don't think my parents are pushing her hard enough disipline wise. I frankly don't think my dad knows what to do, the rest of us never had any problems like this. I think he's kind of in shock, and I'm not sure if he can handle it. He's 66 tomorrow, and is trying to teach, run the family business, keep his marriage together, rebuild the house, help pay for my tuition, and now keep her under control. It's not good for him. He's been in the hospital three times since January. He really wants to help her get back on track, but I think he still can't understand that his "process" for turning out good kids isn't working for her. He's wants to get her well, but I don't think he can see that she's different from the rest of us (he gets a bit too excited about the fact that Stanford doesn't count freshmen year grades on an application). She's more a music person, and she's very good at it and loves it, and he's encouraged her, but now she's just completely off road and he doesn't know what to do and he's running scared. I think he needs some lessons on good parenting for bad kids or something, but my biggest concern is for his health. I just hope that she gets better than she is now, for everyone's sake.
You said you were really close. Perhaps you should try being her brother instead of 'helping your dad'. I don't mean not to communicate with him, just let your little sister know that her big brother cares. Encourage her to work with the counselor, because you want her to visit you this year.
It's too bad your folks are so far from Boston, for there are great boarding schools there, but I think this is too much for you. Whoops, not too mention you'll be in China. :slapmyself:
My guess, if the right therapist is found, she has a friend or two, your dad relaxes, but requires limits-(take away car, internet), she'll settle down. Someone has to tell her that music is cool, Harvard et al are not the be all and end all.