Hi D.,
Oh boy, can I feel the pain you are going through. I have a wonderful 16 year old son that I was at total wits end with not too long ago. He turned 16 over Christmas school break this year and made up his mind that he was not going back to school. I became the proud parent of a high school drop out. (Imagine the pride! LOL) I gave him a 3 month period in which he needed to get his GED and at least be working towards a GED, if he didnt, then he would be going to Job Corps.
Well, April 1 hit and my pride & joy was still up all night, sleep all day, sitting in front of tv, video games, or computer. I made an appoitment with a recruter and May 1, he left for Montana. It was the hardest yet the best thing I have made him do.
In the 3 weeks since he has been gone, just the change in his overall attitude is better, he seems happy, goal motivated, and actually seems to have a desire to do something with his life.
I don't know if it is something that would work for your family, but it has sure worked wonders for ours. I would be happy to share my experiences with you if you like, you can conact me off group & I would be happy to send you my number. I know sometimes it helps just to have someone to vent to as well.
We have 2 other teenages in the house as well. (We are a blended family with a total of 5 kiddos)
Here is a link to job corps if you want to check it out some, the site isnt overly helpful however. www.jobcorps.org
Good lucjk & know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
K.