Well, trying didn't last long folks. SD8 continues to be a royal PITA. Well after a good week of conversations, everything went down the drain. SD continued to withdrawl from the group and only talking to her dad when she needed to. I caught her on several occasions trying to communicate with BD8mo behind my back. As soon as I turn to see what my child is smiling about SD turns her head. WTF? SD can communicate, I encourage it - but I won't encourage it behind my back. I had to go out of town last week Monday and Tuesday and my DH bday was on Monday. I celebrated in on Sunday with a cake and a nice dinner. SD knew, but she of course made it about her. She didn't like the cake. I told her that - it was her DADs choice for his bday, it is HIS favorite cake - if you don't like it - don't eat it. So, anyway, I thanked him for his contributions and said two great things about him setting the example for what I wanted SD8 to do - she couldn't think of one good thing she wanted to tell her dad for his bday. THEN, while I was out of town, SD, knowing her dads actual bday was the next day, did she try to at least be good for a day? No. He asked her to clean her room and fold her clothes and she blew up at him, while I was gone. DH had my BD in this arms already stressed b/c I was gone, and he yelled, and SD basically kept saying she didn't want to do things. (She knows she can have her dad give in if she keeps trying), and now as a result, I have a punch mark in her door because of DH getting very angry. When I came back I sat her down (SD) and told her how dissapointed I was in her, she is going to be on punishment for a week and this is not a good example. I made her write out her feelings and reinforced her purpose in the household. Of course she cried and that was it. So of course this week, since she was on punishment, she wanted to call her mom several times. She usually does this when things are not going her way at our house. So, SD talks to her BM and they reminince of things they did years ago - and SD tells her how much she can't wait to ssee her in the summer and they will have all such fun doing the things she cannot do here. You know what though? I can't wait for her a$$ to be gone for the summer. I need a break.