>Call us back in 2024. I'll be interested to see how it went.
>
>Actually, I can give you the names now of parents who have been successful.
>
>I played a hand in the teen years of my wife's youngest brother. Her dad split when the boy was 11 - and I was asked to take on a big role with him. No, it wasn't the same as being a full-time parent, but it was enough to know I'm not talking out my backside.

And Kevin has met William, a kid I "adopted" when he was 10. I mentored him through his teen years.... he doesn't smoke, or do drugs, but does drink the occasional drink now and then. I let him have blue, orange and green hair, it made no difference to me in how he looks. I told him I was disappointed when he got his lip pierced, so he doesn't wear it around me. He is a good kid and I know what I'm talking about also.

Kids need guidance and direction, not respect..... respect is earned on both sides. He knows I care, he knows I'm always there ( aphone call away). he tested that in the early years, but now just accepts that if he needs me I'll be there. That's all a parent can hope for... teach them what's right, provide needed direction and hope they take it to heart. If they don't, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. I'm sure Ted Bundy's mom didn't raise him to be a serial killer... some are just born with something missing...