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Childless stepmom needs help with teen SD, I'm new to site

4evernotamom's picture

I'm a childless stepmom to SD 14 and SS 10. SS 10 is a great kid, I'm SO thankful for him, he is loving and shares his life with me as does DH. It took some time to get there, but the 3 of us have a great relationship. SD 14 is the issue. A short background on her and BM: BM had addiction issues before SD was born (pills then alcohol after doctors would not giver her more pills), BM never really treated SD like a real child, almost treated SD like she was a doll when she was sober and would pay attention. DH would come home from work and BM and SD would be sleeping, ALL DAY, BM never said no to SD, had pacifiers up until she was 5, never was made to sleep in her own bed, was treated like a toddler for so long, BM would say she was the only one who could fill SD with love. BM was arrested for shoplifting while using SD and stroller for cover when SD was 6 months. BM would pawn stuff in the house to get $ for alcohol, steal checks out of the back of DHs checkbook for alcohol. BM was in and out of 5 rehabs before she left DH, SD and SS, SD was 5 1/2 when BM left. BM disappeared, no one knew where she was and assumed she wasn't coming back. He got a divorce. She surprise showed back up after DH and I were dating for 2 months. She saw them off and on for 4 years and said she was sober the whole time, then we learned she wasn't, still drinking and taking pills, caught driving without insurance, license suspended, then was arrested again for shoplifting while on a suspended license, in and out of more rehabs, lied to skids, held in contempt for not paying child support. Had another child with AA boyfriend, when that didn't work out we learned when kids would go over there, they were almost always around different men BM was meeting at AA. She ran away to a different city (5 months after we got married), had a 4th child, got married (that guy is in jail for armed robbery now), kids haven't seen her or spoken to her in nearly 4 years.

DH and I started dating when SD was just over 6. We got married when SD was 10, I moved in to DHs house about 3 months before the wedding. Since I started dating DH these are items that have been an issue with SD: still drinking out of sippy cups till she was 7, started attempting to sleep in her bed when 7, sneaking into DHs bed for at least 2 years (saw a behavioral specialist, it didn't work), crying uncontrollably when we'd have to leave grandparents, severe issues with food, unable to have social conversations, coming into our bedroom without asking, breaking through the lock to our door so we were forced to add an extra lock and a security bar under the door knob, breaking new glasses because she refused to sleep without them, when we took them away at night she'd become like a wild animal screaming, growling, crying, grunting, kicking, slept in the bathroom for 4 months right before 5th grade started, stated she saw ghosts, constantly turning on all lights to sleep, lied to 2 different counselors about her sleeping issues, refused to shave her armpits for a year and then I had to cut off the long hair when she decided she should shave, has always had an issue with hygiene, doesn't truly understand how to wash her hair only washes the ends, refuses to wash her face in the shower, refused to accept that she started her period and refused to wear anything, then when she did she'd collect them in a drawer, UNBELIEVABLY bad attitude, constant arguing, very inappropriate emotional responses like giggling and laughing to people getting hurt or killed (like murders you hear about on tv). When we've tried to help SD with change, she FIGHTS the issue to keep it as she wants it. SD will figure out ways to lie and deceive us to get what she wants even if it is for one more time and again, throw huge panic fits because she doesn't want to deal with change. I haven't even listed the issues with how I've been talked to and treated by both skids and the things they were told by BM and BMs BM.

Current issue: we found that SD was using her phone and ipod touch to text, send pics, videos and skype boys in different states sexual content back and forth. And I mean something like you'd see in a porn mag. Teacher alerted DH, he made SD delete apps. I caught her a 2nd time and took her devices because she'd downloaded apps again. Caught her a 3rd time using grandparents computer. Caught her this last time using our home phone. SD has said she truly believes that these boys and her and in love. It's like her reality isn't real. We are setting up an appointment with a highly recommended therapist. But can anyone please help. DH has had SO much tolerance but he is at the end of his rope now.

HELP!!!!

sc12's picture

You have been with her for a long time. It actually sound like quite a few things that are going on with her. She doesnt sound like she adjust well to change and she may not understand completely what those changes mean. For the cleanliness issue, my step son has the same problem. But honestly its not his fault he is not enforce to bath himself properly. and when he is with me I have to show him its ok. Last time we had him, it took me having him help me give his baby brother a bath who is 6 months old. He then would only take baths and clean with his little brother. Of course you can not do that with a 14 year old. I would show her what happens when you dont bath and how it makes you look and smell. find some pictures of dirty nasty people online and tell her that is what will happen if she doesnt clean herself properly.
The hormones from the changes she is going through may be effecting her alot more than you think. I dont recommend medicating a child who does not need it and maybe talk to your dr about this before you give her any but there is an over the counter medication called st. john's warts. It will help with the drastic mood swings and may calm her down. My mom use to give it to me when I was a child because I had really bad mood swings and did horrible things because I could not control myself. Nothing sexual just hitting and screaming and throwing things. Its just an all natural herbal pill that will help regulate the chemical imbalance that could be causeing her mood swings.
She also sounds like she needs to go to a sexual awareness class or something of that nature. She needs to be made aware of the risks and choices she is making.
She may have night terrors. My step son does and he sometimes ends up in my bed. I just take him back to his room and show him that everything is ok. and encourage him that we are here and nothing is going to happen while we are. Most nights end up in screaming and crying but I wait and talk in a low tone to show in it is ok.
She also may be suffering from anxiety. I and my husband both have it. And its not pritty it makes you mad and freaked out and her actions may be her way of expressing how she feels inside.
You have obviously been dealing with this for years and I hope you find something soon to help.

4evernotamom's picture

sc12, we've tried showing her how to bathe, showing her pictures, describing the smell regarding hygiene. Have also tried St. John's Wart, lavendar, chamomile tea, yoga, talking calmly to her for sleeping. She also just had a health class that spoke about the risks of sex, STDs, sexting. We have not tried to ask for medication, I think you're right in that she has some anxiety issues. Thank you for the response. i do pray this new therapist is able to reach her. If they suggest medication, i'm hoping my DH is open to it.

bug's picture

Does she have fetal alcohol syndrome? I believe my 1/2 brother had this and he was in and out of jail his entire life.