The Stonewall has come down

I thought since some people have read the story about Miss A stonewalling me that it was worth writing about a young Miss A (now 18 and a half) showing much more maturity. In the 18 months she was living elsewhere she discovered life can be tough and getting what you want is difficult. She came back home to live about 6 weeks ago. Since then I must say she has done much to make me proud. She has accommodated my ‘rules’ (I do not like that word much for a young adult but that seems to be the word that makes sense to her). She has, since coming home, attended her casual job regularly, saved money, gained her drivers license, looked after her health and hygiene, helped out a little around the house (hmmm yes there is some way to go here), demonstrated greater respect for the use of what is not actually her own (like my car) and is working towards getting her own car on the road.

Miss A found herself in a trail of emotionally unhealthy environments culminating in living with a girlfriend who was more interested in partying and boys so when I offered for her to come home – on conditions which included counselling – she was quick to agree. I was scared, concerned that on an emotional level this would be hard work (and it has been) and that I needed to tread carefully to rebuild a positive relationship with her while guiding her with a firm hand. So far fingers crossed so good. I get loads of  support from my new partner and virtually little more than scorn from Miss A’s father. When I told him she had had agreed to go back to school he smirked, scoffed and said ‘good luck’. I responded – ‘Well that’s being a supportive father isn’t it’…he apologised but the damage was done. The sooner he is less in my life the better!

Anyway, Miss A needs lots of support and encouragement which she is now getting. She is not only getting it from me but also from my family (the ex’s family are too mad at her for leaving her dads care to give her much time of day – it IS sad!) and from the teachers at school. Fingers crossed all will go well in 2009 as I help her through her final year in school and the topsy turvey world of teen relationships. I sincerely hope I can maintain my own emotional sanity through that time!

(Click the tag teenage girls to see how this journey has gone if you are new to the story)