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I need some advice (or sanity check) on how to set boundaries this holiday season. My RAD dd turned 18 a few months ago and "ran away" about a week after. Adopted her at 7 and have a non-RAD younger school age son. The decade she lived with us was a near constant battle. The last 2 years involved psychiatric hospitalizations for a psychosis then mild homicidal ideation (with us as her target). Our child had us living in constant drama and in the last 2 years, fear. She has told her most recent therapist how much she enjoys seeing us upset and we have found journal entries where she is making plans to ruin our lives. She shows no remorse. The tricky part is she is adorable, charming, and skilled at eliciting the goodwill of others. She will torment us then as soon as a someone else is around, turn on the charm and complain how mean
we are. She has asked to come home and we have said no as it's apparent it was no longer healthy for any of us.
Now she visits and is more pleasant unless we say something she doesnt want to hear. She is living with a relative (until she enters a job training pr) who think she is wonderful and gets mad if we say anything otherwise. This relative works for the same company (diff office)and is suggesting her as a babysitter to coworkers etc.
As the holidays approach we are getting pressure from others to make sure our dd is included in events so she doesn't feel left out. When we are around her we are anxious. At the same time we are trying to set boundaries around our own health and well being. It makes us look like jerks.
How do we maintain our boundaries and sanity? How much do we try to explain to our loved ones our fears or do we just let it go and suck it up because they won't get it?
I am guessing that after 11 years with this child, you have tried explaining to family/friends before. Some people will never get it.
You need to focus on protecting the child still in you home.
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Biblemom
I am guessing that after 11 years with this child, you have tried explaining to family/friends before. Some people will never get it.
You need to focus on protecting the child still in you home.
I agree with this and will add that you need to protect yourselves. Tell people (who may be well meaning or who may be in denial) that they don't understand your family dynamics, and while you wish that your DD could be invited to these holiday festivities, her choices make that not a possibility. Tell them you'd love to educate them about RAD if they are interested (that'll scare them away!).
*hugs* to you. It sucks, I know.
Biblemom
I am guessing that after 11 years with this child, you have tried explaining to family/friends before. Some people will never get it.
You need to focus on protecting the child still in you home.
I know it's overwhelming when you are perceived as the "bad guy" by family, friends, and neighbors when really you could use their support to maintain appropriate boundaries with your child. Your self-care is important, especially over the holidays...hang in there!!
Your daughter is an adult now, you are no longer responsible for her choices and well being. Let extended family know you love her and want the best for her and that she is always welcome. You can also let them know that your personalities clash and may appear as though you are angry with her but that is not true. A mother always loves her child. Sometimes though adult children do not get along with their parents for various reasons...and hey, it seems as though other relatives are willing to take her in. Let them play her games. You have done the best you could do. You deserve to be happy and your mental health is important. Don't let it drag you down. Do not feel quilted into inviting her home for any occasion if you do not want to. Your home is not hers anymore.