Life with a teenage daughter. 

The last 4 months have been a rollercoaster!! 

In September my 13-year-old was a lovely young girl, she loved snowboarding, had a little job, good grades, great attendance and played on the local football team. I was constantly praised on her exceptional manners and willingness to help others. 

Then in October we had to move as our rental had been sold to owner occupiers. We decided fuel wise it would be beneficial to move into town instead of living rurally. 

A bit of background my eldest daughter has always suffered a bit with anxiety and pleasing others. She has a huge heart and takes everything personally so has always been targeted by bullies. 

We moved to the new town during the school holidays and a local organization had activities for her age group every day, so I thought what a fantastic opportunity for her to meet some new people. How wrong I was....... 

Fast forward 2 months later and she associates with the worst people in the town ages from 14-28 she has been brought home by the police several times I don't know where she is most of the time and has only attended school twice this term. I speak to the school every day, I have reached out to mental health services, I have been to department of children's services, family support services and mission Australia. There were videos of her at someone's house using illicit substances with an adult so I took the video to the police and requested they remove her from the situation, but it wasn't enough proof of illegal activity, and she can decide where she wants to be WTF!! I called rehab facilities and was told unless she has a criminal conviction or volunteers to go, I cannot force her. 

When did 13-year old's get so many rights? How as parents are we supposed to keep them home and disciplined if we can't do anything?

We ended up taking her overseas for 2 weeks (I know the behavior shouldn't be rewarded but I needed to get her away) I got my happy little girl back and it was fantastic!!

We have now been home 1 week, and she is falling back into old habits. We are moving house this weekend and I have everything crossed that she will no longer be able to associate with these people. 

I will keep you updated but our system needs an over hall because as parents we shouldn't have to wait until our children are criminals or at rock bottom before being able to do something........

What are your thoughts?