Catnapper,

When I was growing up, I didn't have my parents help. I feel for you really. 17 is a very tough age. Hormones are raging, tempers flaring and opinions VERY different!! When I was young, my parents grounded me. Nowadays, you send a kid to their room, they've got a computer, video games, tv, you name it!! It's like their own personal arcade!

I also know what it's like to have a child with a "limitation" (I hate the word disability). My daughter had a malignant brain tumor (Pineal Blastoma) on her brain stem at the age of 16. The tumor was removed and she is now 27 and has limitations (like her brain processing things), although she is living on her own, working, doing well. But when I try to explain things to her (like my Mom used to do to me) about dating, letting the guy call you, HIM making the first move, she thinks she knows EVERYTHING. I try to tell her MY life experiences in the dating scene, but she doesn't seem to get it. So I just sit there and say "Whatever!!" I swear I'm gonna get a teeshirt with that on it!

I've since decided it's best to let her learn on her own. If it hurts, too bad. That's what life is all about.

I've been there, done that. I only hope that you find the strength and wisdom to keep your sanity in tact, long enough to see the moving truck pull away!!!

The old saying is "Live Long Enough to be a Problem to your Children!!"