Katie Pre Teenage Years

* talented athlete, competed in most state level events
* won many awards in public speaking, debating and community efforts
* took pride in her natural prettiness
* was independent, helpful, trustworthy and genuine

Katie Over The Last Year

* has dyed her hair so many times that it is now a weird combination of red, black and orange
* leaves nailpolish open on the loungeroom floor
* leaves the straightener turned on sitting on the floor
* leaves razors on the bathroom sink
* wears lots of clothes that I don't remember buying her, mostly designer brands
* has lots of male friends who drive (OMG)
* was recently arrested for shoplifting
* NEVER goes to school
* rolls her eyes at us, smiles and walks away when we question her about anything
* lies

I have no idea what we did so very wrong. But I find myself praying for the day that she moves out. So sad, and I do feel guilty. But you can only take so much.

I am scared for the safety of my 3 year old who will one day pick the straightener, or razors and copy her doing her hair or shaving her legs. I am terrified that she will be arrested again as next time, there is no caution. Just a hearing in court. I feel betrayed that she may be doing things that are illegal, risky and unsafe and lying to me. But I cannot stop her.I am frustrated that money keeps going missing and I feel like I am going crazy. I am sad that she seems to care about herself so little, and that she is on a downward spiral.I am fr

To all of the other parents of teens out there. You are not alone in this hell.