Hmmmm...interesting concept, parenting and work (so says the author of the upcoming bestseller, TW's Guide to Lazy Parenting). Why would it be a surprise to any parent that addiction isn't just a little problem where you can send the kid away for a bit and he/she comes back "cured"? Why would it be a surprise that the whole family is going to have to help? You see, in my definition, all this IS lazy parenting. Non-lazy parenting would be to not help the kid out, live through a number of relapses and worsening behavior, etc. I'm rambling now, so I'll stop.

Oh yes, just want to mention in my book, lazy parenting is not a bad thing.

tw: i get exactly what you mean. that it would be almost earth-moving effort to do nothing. i always say that, too.

Luckily, I never had to deal with addiction issues with my four daughters. Their dad dealt me enough misery for 10 kids. We are divorced now. I tried everything I knew, and nothing kept him from self destruct mode. Perhaps I couldn't totally shake the enabler role, but finally with the last chick ready for college I jumped that sinking ship. Very glad for you, seems you have overcome a lot of obstacles. Cheerio!

I have said this before - you and Bill have been great parents. It does take a lot of hard work and committment from the parents to see their child through the hard and dark times. Some parents just don't care enough. Don't wish to make it their problem. In fact I think a lot of parents turn their back in the hope it will just go away. And this is sad for the child who really wants to change but cannot do it on his own.

Michelle says it exactly. When we had our problems with Christian it was automatic to reorganise our lives so that he was never alone etc. etc. How can people make children and then expect them to run their lives on their own like clockwork mice?

Yea, imagine the concept of parentin by action. What a concept.