wow, I didn't even think this thread would get one reply... n_n. this seems like a very touchy subject. Let me just clarify, that when I posted that I had just been screamed at and put down and asked over and over if I was trying to ruin my dad and stepmom's lives for 2 hours. I think using the terms "suck" and "tard" was putting it extremely nicely

My dad told me that to drive, I needed a B average. I got a B average. I also go to Independent studies, which is a lot more work than regular high school. I study at least 5 hours every day, including weekends, usually 8 hours a day... just to finish my homework. I go to ROP classes from 7-9 every morning, and I go to school 3 days a week for electives, Algebra and Biology classes. I have worked very, very hard... I fell behind last semester and I'm really close to being caught up in every class. I do all of this work, and they make it sound like I've done nothing. If anything, their grounding me and punising me makes me want to do worse in school, just because inside I do not want them to think that putting me down helps me to do better. I would appreciate it so much if they encouraged me and helped me, they never ever check my homework or ask if I need help.

I know for a fact that they're so pissy and angry because they're having marriage problems, and they feel the need to blame their stress and arguements on me. I was actually told 2 years ago that I had to move in with my mom because I was ruining their marriage... I've honestly never said anything to her, I've never criticized her horrendous parenting or her laziness or her insane money spending. I've been SO nice to her, you wouldn't believe it. Catnapper, I swear I'm not a spoiled stepdaughter. If anything, I've put up with way too much from her. She acts like she's known me forever and she can punish me and boss me around and scream at me about my school, while she has been married to my dad for 2 1/2 years and knows nothing about me. She also dropped out of high school and was a hairdresser for 20 years, so I feel like she has nothing to say to me.

I totally understand those of you who stress good grades... I know it's very very important. I'm a Junior, I'll be going to college soon, and I need to be more responsible. But I am trying my hardest - I do twice as much work as all of my friends going to regular high school. I know I'll have to go to junior college my first year out of high school, and I have no problem with that. I really want to go to college and get an education and be able to have a career that I love. It's just very hard to have my parents punishing me and basically making my life really crappy, and still feel so motivated to give 100% in school. It's tiring, and it does suck.

I completely know where Kay is coming from, and I agree with her. I have so much more going on in my life that is just as important to me as my education. Balancing all of it is freakin hard, especially with my parents grounding me and putting me down on top of everything...