Carlos Said:

What to do with out of control child?! PLEASE HELP! long sorry!!?

We Answered:

I'm so sorry, that sounds like an incredibly difficult situation for you, as well as the very unhappy child. As you recognize there are a lot of problems there that are not due to you. I think you're trying good things - but most of all, be consistent. Kids really want to understand that if they do something wrong they're going to be met with fair and consistent results (also known as discipline). Make sure to give adequate warnings with "this will happen if you do x." Act immediately, unemotionally, and fairly. She is acting out to get attention so she is really starving for attention, even bad attention. Be very clear about your expectations and praise her for good behavior, grades, responses to even small things. Get on boat with your husband so that you are both acting the same way towards her and she knows she can't play one of you against the other. It sounds like this may be a big part of the problem. Try and sit together with her and find solutions alongside her Dad. Make her know that you are 100% united.

In terms of severe misbehavior, I know that one thing suggested was to take away everything the child has and give back one item at a time as they earn it - every single thing but a mattress on the floor.

I urge you to not believe that spanking would be a solution. I'm not even against spanking, but that has nothing to do with what's going on here. The girl has some serious problems, and spanking her makes no sense. Imagine if someone slapped you as an adult when you were unable to deal with say your workload and pressures in your marriage. Would this give you a solution or help you in any way? Sure it would be a "I mean business" wake up call but really, it's nothing more. I think that (a gentle) spanking is good only when the child is in the middle of a tantrum and can not get themselves out of it, or when the child has put their own lives in danger, such as running in front of a car.

There is a program called The Total Transformation, I don't know if you've seen it advertised on TV? The link is http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/ It guarantees to help an out of control child immediately. I bet that it helps give parents tools to better communicate with their child and to manage their expressions of anger and outrage.

Wishing you good luck and perseverence!

Velma Said:

Our new apartment may have formerly been used to manufacture methamphetamine...?

We Answered:

I would move.

Steven Said:

Can I sue The Virginia Department of Child Support Enforcement and the Bio-Mom?

We Answered:

The court sets the amount of child support. If you want that changed you'll have to file a court motion. You can't sue the VA DCSE since they're protected by fact of being a part of the state. If the mother lied then you could have charges pressed against her. As for SSI, that's the federal government, and it sucks, but your comments about discrimination have no founding from what you've said. Be careful making comments like this against anyone or you'll be the one sued.

Carl Said:

How do you feel about 0bama forcing health care workers to get swine flue vaccine?

We Answered:

He's the president and gets to mandate anything he wants.

Christopher Said:

Should parents have final say on child's health?

We Answered:

i am with you, i am a nurse too and it makes you feel like you know nothing when others second guess you. If this mother was notorious for lying then sure, but if the kid backed up the story i see no need in making a child miss school for no reason. GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!