@ Shady Bill.
It sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place. You're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. I will assume you have spoken with your daughter and " Mr. Pink Pants " and it went no where. Probably you would have better luck talking to a house plant. I well and truly hope it gets better not only for you, but Platapus, Aktung and everyone else who is going through similar circumstances.
My own dad and various uncles were involved in the heavy construction trade. By default, I started working with them at 7-8 years old. I just did clean up then but also mixed mortar and carried bricks in brick tongs, if anyone knows what they are. Mixing mortar is a back breaking job and I do have back issues today, probably as a result of my work then. As I got older and more experienced, I did more. By today's standards, what I did then could and would be considered child abuse. We also operated car and body shops. I worked in all of them doing the dirtiest jobs no one there wanted to do.
Years later, I was at a social function with my family in attendance. My dad said to me while talking with others there, " you learned a lot working with me." In my usual flippant manner, I said, " you're right dad. I learned I never wanted anything to do with heavy construction." Everyone had a good laugh. My dad just looked at me and smiled. He said, " That's great. You have learned the the greatest lesson I was trying to teach you." He further explained that by seeing what hard work was and experiencing it first hand, I would " buckle down " in school and go to college and learn and not waste my time. Suddenly, " the light bulb came on brightly." My dad was right and I told him so. I admire both my parents more and more as time goes on.
My dad always told others that were young and upset with their living conditions at home. " If you are so smart, move out now and get a job while you still know everything. "
It's not easy being a parent. I'm sure you're doing the best you can do under the circumstances. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.....
@
Eichhörnchen.
Your situation and circumstances are completely different, with Lawrence. Considering the uphill battle you and Moira and indeed Lawrence himself has had, you and Moira have done a fantastic job. You and I have talked over the years on Lawrence and your situation.
What's even more amazing is that you and Moira raised Lawrence without the benefit of an " operating manual " to know the best way to do things with Lawrence. You and Moira had to learn everything about Autism " on the fly "
While some parents are remiss in their responsibilities or are hamstrung or have their " hands tied behind their backs, " You and Moira did exceedingly well in teaching and raising Lawrence.
Well done.
