SD16 surprisingly has been doing really well with the therapist that my step mom recommended to us. She has actually opened up to him and they have made real progress in the short few weeks she has been going. SD16’s main concern with getting tested for ADD is that she would be required to be on medication for the rest of her life like her BM. The therapist has decided for the time being to help SD16 with life skills that include strategies for testing and time management. I am not privy to all that they talk about which is fine and I am happy that after disastrous results with BM taking her to counseling that she has a safe place to discuss her feelings.

DH has also stepped up his parenting game and has been in email contact with her two AP class teachers whose classes SD16 was struggling the most with. I have to give it to these teachers they have been incredible and along with SD16 making a huge effort on her part with after school tutoring they have been amazingly helpful. I have so much respect for teachers in general but these two have gone above and beyond for her to succeed.

The biggest thing that DH decided to do was to take SD16's phone during study time. She has access to our home computer if she needed to search something on line. We noticed that during study time she would stop and text, or look at Snapchat, or whatever else kids do on their phones these days. It has made a huge improvement with her concentration. She was annoyed and put up a fight but he stuck to his guns. Basically she hands it over to us between 5 and 6 until the next morning.

BM is still insisting that she has ADD. I don't know if she does or not but the therapist that we are using seems to think the path that they are on now is working and if we didn't see improvement we would start looking at other options for her.

Things have been somewhat peaceful and I feel as though SD16 really feels more in control of her school work and grades so her disposition has become a lot sunnier around the house.

We also are dealing with teenage girl hormones and a possibly new boyfriend in the mix. Everyday we try to find the humor in everyday situations. That is the only way we can stay sane.

Happy Holidays fellow step talkers. You have no idea how much I appreciate your stories and wisdom everyday!