|
Wow it sounds like you have your hands full! We need more people who are willing to take on challenges with kids.
I think an obvious (to her) system of rewards and punishments must be in place to build on. This system must be consistent; action A results in reward or punishment B every time. Making her feel like your house is home and she is safe when she is there, is also a necessary part of the foundation. Part of her behavior (and this is just a guess) could be an attempt to change where she lives. If I mess up like this…..they will send me to…….where I really want to be. Or she could be testing how committed to her you are. And then again, she could just be board.
She needs counseling from a professional about the choices she makes, especially when they cause someone to get hurt.
Just do what everything you can to show her your love. And when or after you discipline her and she will listen, explain why she was punished and why you want to stop that behavior. Make sure she understands that your rules and punishments are out of love and nothing else. Be sure to reinforce her with praise for good choices. Find things to compliment her for.
|