[Michele81]

My husband is rocking our 12 yo daughter right now, since she took a chunk out of my scalp & bit my elbow. We're OK but we knew she was brewing & felt powerless to stop it. She's been with us for 7 weeks & naturally her behaviors are worsening (never been in a family setting for more than 3 months). I know she needs to get rid of the MAD but until we can help her learn healthy ways of dealing with feelings, how can we keep from being physically attacked or having our home destroyed?

DD has attachment issues (no kidding!) but is capable of feeling great remorse after these episodes. Since the behaviors are escalating, I appreciate any help to prepare for the next battle.

PS: Do they sell those fake arms used to train police arms to the general public? If not, I may patent a pair for use on these kids! Let 'em bite away!

[momraine]

No advice, just hugs and hang in there!

[Michele81]

Thanks - I know that if she does this when my husband isn't here, I'll need to call 911 because I can't keep her safe, me safe, & the pets safe, let alone our possessions. Today she was sullen & the most disrespectful that she's ever been. I just told her that I would respond when she could speak to me in a respectful manner, which almost got her the privilege of being late for school (& I didn't relish the thought of spending the day at home with her, but would have done so!). She started "practicing" talking to me respectfully, so I praised her & started giving Olympic numbers until she got to an "8" & then she started giggling. DH is going on a business trip W-Th-F so I may be childless if she does this again.

BTW, DH has so many bruises on his arms (rocking didn't last long - they ended up in a standoff in the hallway for 2 1/2 hours).

Does anyone have any suggestions for consequences that MEAN something for the approximately $150 damage she did to our home (threw an antique chair & a standing cabinet down the stairs). Thanks again

[Mkuhlmann06]

L - I'd move this or cross post this into the special needs forum - you may get more responses. You know I'd love to give you some advice, but I don't have a clue what to say or offer since Im definitely not in the same boat as you.

Lots of hugs!!

[joelynn]

I don't know if I have any answers for you but I'll send hugs! My 9 1/2 yr.old ds was playing with our next door neighbor's adopted son yesterday when he came home steaming mad...the boy bit my son's arm and almost broke skin. This kid is 8 almost 9 and is a foot taller than mine and my son isn't a small kid. I know the father knew but I haven't had the opportunity to discuss it with the mom. They got him when he was 3 1/2 and he does have behavior issues. We're new to the neighborhood but apparently even this was a new behavior from this child. His mom just started a in-home daycare. I don't know if he is acting out over that or what? His parents are in denial over his issues. We cleaned my son's arm with perioxide and it is fine. I told my son to not go over there for a few days until I can talk to my neighbor. She had been talking about adopting again. I'm afraid until they get his issues addressed that they are in for more problems with another child in the house. Again...my thoughts and prayers are with you.