Felicia Hairston
feshe@msn.com

This a picture of my nephew. Headstrong , defiant, intelligent 15 year old.

I became his guardian almost 2 years ago and it has been like the most grueling experience that I have ever encountered. Seems that the parents of todays children require books on Learning to Speak to Your Child, How to Remain Stress Free and a very large bottle of Motrin.

My nephew has convinced himself that he does not need help with anyone but his father. Ah his father, well he abandoned his son in search of a vacation from responsibilty via drugs. I've tried many ways of listening, asking, pleading, crying, obtaining counselers, buying books and parenting magazines all to no avail.

I've become concerned even more when he is commiting fraud on the internet. How can I convince him that I am not an old lady trying to guide him on the right path?