After the blow-up between me and my 16 year old last night and how she was unresponsive afterwards last night, I was really unsure as to how this was going to go.
I'm happy to report that it is going better than expected. The girls have adapted very well and seem to be adjusting really well to the new "prison" or "basic training" standards. I had a long talk with them this afternoon. Well, I guess, it was more of a speech.
With my daughters accusations last night I felt it was only appropriate to address them. So I looked up the laws on neglect and abuse today. Come to find out I am going way above and beyond what the minimum is in this state. I pointed each of the places out where I was being way more lenient than the law actually required me to be.
For instance.. it states:
""Child abuse or neglect' or 'harm' occurs when the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's welfare fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education as required by law; supervision appropriate to the child's age and development; or health care even though financially able to do so or offered financial or other reasonable means to do so and the failure to do so has caused or presents a substantial risk of causing physical or mental injury."
I told them it states nothing in there about "comfort". It states nothing in there about "variety". It states nothing in there about "entertainment".
So, food (and I assume water) I provide. I even take into account their likes and dislikes. I don't have to do that, but I do. I also take into account nutritional value.. Obviously that is optional as well. Clothing? Well, it doesn't say it has to be stylish. But I am attempting to keep them at least in the new millennium, besides if this doesn't work I can always resort to dressing them in Brady Bunch style clothing!!! Shelter? Well, yeah. they live in the house with me. Education? They are both in school. (Not too sure about the quality anymore of the education they are getting.. but they are getting one). Supervision? Non-relevant because of their ages. And Healthcare? Well, they et regular check-ups at the dentist and the doctor. AND they have never not been treated for even a fever. Obviously I go WAY above and beyond as I also provide them with things this doesn't state... Like a bathroom equipped with a shower for cleaning themselves... soap, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, towels and washcloths. Heck, I even give them toilet paper!!!!! They also have pillows and blankets for sleeping.
But most of all.. they have two parents who are willing to put the effort and the time into trying to teach them the things they need to know to make it in this life. I am determined to get through to them. I feel like these are "extreme" measures. But these are extreme kids. When I say, short of this, I have tried EVERYTHING before.. I mean it. This is the final stand. This is all I have left. I will bombard them with just as much as I have in my power to get through to them. I want so much for these girls. But mostly I want them to be good people. Good people with compassion for others, who can take care of themselves and be happy. And I will pour my entire self into it until they either get it or I have nothing left to give.
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