Quote From: misslemon While Amanda is doing penance at Copper Canyon, what are Mom and Dad doing to make themselves better parents? Are THEY getting counseling and learning how to compromise and get along with their child? Because from what I saw, they have as much or more to learn about parenting as Amanda does about life. That whole bathroom scene thing was horrible and mostly brought on by the parents total overreaction to their situation. They are just as out of control as Amanda is.
Also, I notice the police weren't all that hot to use their resources to find Amanda probably because they know she is likely to be a habitual runaway and they can't run after her everytime she ditches the folks. Dr. Phil will probably spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on Amanda and I bet it won't make one bit of difference.
I have not seen the show yet as it doesn't air where I live until this afternoon. If the parents have a true interest in Amanda's well-being they will participate in counseling which is part of the program at Copper Canyon. There are also a set of workshops the parents can choose to attend. As the child progresses, there is more and more family contact, involvement, and everyone has to participate in order for it to succceed. It is a good program. It gets down to how much everyone involved wants to make it work, accept changes, etc.
I'm surprised at reactions as to privacy, cell phone, etc. I respect my children's privacy and don't go through their things, knock on their door when it's closed, but in turn, I expect the same. It's my home, it's my rules. There are compromises. Phones, computers, televisions, driving, etc., are PRIVILEGES. If they aren't taking responsibility with the more important issues - school, grades, a job, chores, family, the privileges get taken away. Somehow society and children have come to think it's a given they they are "entitled" to cell phones, a paid for car, not having to work, it's sad.
I pay for the cell phone so I can dictate whether you get it or not. Yes, kids use phones, but not after a set time in the evening - and certainly not at 2am texting back and forth. Also, take an active role in what computer sites your children go to, and what they post. I think many people would be surprised at what's on those sites. As a parent we set the boundaries. It's part of our job. No one said it was going to be easy.
