Out of control teen

[sandym]

Florida
Our 17 yr old son is still living at home. He doesn't turn 18 until April. He dropped out of school 2 yrs ago when he failed 10th grade. We cannot control him. He has been arrested, been in juvenile court, been in rehab, but ran away (because he was there voluntarily), he steals, and has even admitted to us that he is dealing. We have repeatedly found marajuana and paraphanelia in his room and have gotten rid of it. We told him to quit bringing it into our home - that we didn't want to go to jail. I've told him to leave, but he just keeps coming back. My husband & I work every day, so there is no telling what is going on at our home during the day. He has stolen quite a bit of my jewelry, and now today I found out that someone snuck into our room while we were sleeping, took my ATM card, and withdrew $200 out of my bank account. We know it was him, but I would have to file a fraud claim with the bank in order for them to research the videos to see who did it. But you have to agree to prosecute before they'll do it. My other son is 15 and "straight as an arrow". His 16th birthday is tomorrow, and we can't even get him a cake, let alone a gift, because of the theft. Please tell me what I need to do.

 

[Zigner]

You can't have your cake and eat it too...


You need to push for prosecution of the 17 year old.

 

[Antigone*]

Florida
Our 17 yr old son is still living at home. He doesn't turn 18 until April. He dropped out of school 2 yrs ago when he failed 10th grade. We cannot control him. He has been arrested, been in juvenile court, been in rehab, but ran away (because he was there voluntarily), he steals, and has even admitted to us that he is dealing. We have repeatedly found marajuana and paraphanelia in his room and have gotten rid of it. We told him to quit bringing it into our home - that we didn't want to go to jail. I've told him to leave, but he just keeps coming back. My husband & I work every day, so there is no telling what is going on at our home during the day. He has stolen quite a bit of my jewelry, and now today I found out that someone snuck into our room while we were sleeping, took my ATM card, and withdrew $200 out of my bank account. We know it was him, but I would have to file a fraud claim with the bank in order for them to research the videos to see who did it. But you have to agree to prosecute before they'll do it. My other son is 15 and "straight as an arrow". His 16th birthday is tomorrow, and we can't even get him a cake, let alone a gift, because of the theft. Please tell me what I need to do.

Call the police and report the theft. Stop allow the monster you've created to continue to rule the roost.

 

[CurrentlyUndone]

Florida
Our 17 yr old son is still living at home. He doesn't turn 18 until April. He dropped out of school 2 yrs ago when he failed 10th grade. We cannot control him. He has been arrested, been in juvenile court, been in rehab, but ran away (because he was there voluntarily), he steals, and has even admitted to us that he is dealing. We have repeatedly found marajuana and paraphanelia in his room and have gotten rid of it. We told him to quit bringing it into our home - that we didn't want to go to jail. I've told him to leave, but he just keeps coming back. My husband & I work every day, so there is no telling what is going on at our home during the day. He has stolen quite a bit of my jewelry, and now today I found out that someone snuck into our room while we were sleeping, took my ATM card, and withdrew $200 out of my bank account. We know it was him, but I would have to file a fraud claim with the bank in order for them to research the videos to see who did it. But you have to agree to prosecute before they'll do it. My other son is 15 and "straight as an arrow". His 16th birthday is tomorrow, and we can't even get him a cake, let alone a gift, because of the theft. Please tell me what I need to do.

How did he drop out at 15, when FL requires school attendance until age 16?

 

[Zigner]

How did he drop out at 15, when FL requires school attendance until age 16?

I suspect there is some "rounding" going on...

 

[allanf]

I went though this with two! I raised them alone, single dad. my youngest steals my meds, and will not get an income 24 yrs old. he yells at me when I ask for help, They ONLY thing I can do is toss his butt out!! police are no help! You must do what you msut no matter how it hurts. If both of don't act, the kid will end up dead. smoking pot is not a big deal, responsibility is. I am not one to say anything. but we must be strong, you have support with fam. I don't.

 

[Antigone*]

I went though this with two! I raised them alone, single dad. my youngest steals my meds, and will not get an income 24 yrs old. he yells at me when I ask for help, They ONLY thing I can do is toss his butt out!! police are no help! You must do what you msut no matter how it hurts. If both of don't act, the kid will end up dead. smoking pot is not a big deal, responsibility is. I am not one to say anything. but we must be strong, you have support with fam. I don't.

I personally know people who have raised their children alone; while family support is nice a parent can parent successfully on their one.

As far as pot not being a big deal, you're wrong again.