So, my stepson came to live with us under unhappy circumstances

And when people hear about the running away, the acting out badly at his moms house, his bad grades, his being a teenager, etc. They think it must be awful. But the boy is such a joy! He's 17, has a totally normal temper, gotta beat the girls off with a stick and I know he's getting away with something. But still, he's such an amazing kid. It's kinda driven a wedge between us and his other parents, and that makes me really sad. But he's doing so good.

Here's a kid who became nothing but trouble for his parents. He was an unusually awesome child until his bout with cancer. And then, something happened. Hardly unusual. He wanted to start over. He was spoiled rotten, a huge brand new truck, credit card, indulged. But something was missing. So he ran away to start fresh.

The conditions here aren't quite as great, money wise. He has to catch the bus at 6:45 to get to school. On Wednesdays he doesn't even have class until 10:45, and it's his only class that day. He doesn't have a vehicle to get around in except mine, so he had to drop out of an activity he loves. We can't afford to put him in gym, though we did get a family membership at the local gym. He's very fitness oriented. He lives in the basement, which is unfinished and noisy. He has to go through his siters room to get to the shower every morning.

His sisters cling a bit too much when he's tired and needs space. I haven't done even half the things he's wanted us to do for him.

And yet, when we pull out the board games or cards he hangs out and plays, talks our ears off about everything. Brings all his friends to introduce us and they hang out to talk and joke around. I think he's proud of us, actually. He hugs everyone all the time, shares, helps without being asked and for petes sake, he's such a good kid.

He saw an opportunity to change and he ran with it. So for all those people out there who think troubled means hopeless, think again. And for all you teens out there who think you're stuck in a rut and can't do anything about it, well forget all that nonsense. Change your head, change your life. Your old enough to make it your own.

I still like teasing teenagers, though. It's good for you.

 

It sounds like he was unhappy in his living situation before, and now that he has a new opportunity he doesn't want to mess it up.

 

it looks like the change has kick started his maturity (i don't mean that condescendingly to him) he knew wot he wanted and it seems needed too .... sounds a nice lad.. good on ya's

 

environments have a huge influence on people

 

Happy to see things have smoothed out for you KC. Your step-son sounds like one helluva kid.

 

I WILL SAY IT ONCE AND I WILL SAY IT A BILLION TIMES! MONEY AND ACTIVITIES ISN'T EVERYTHING. We need love, some attention, freedom, and people who are willing to compromise.

I can tell you right now those parents where controlling. I can tell you he is grateful, and happy someone cared for more than just stuff.

Get him a skateboard if you can afford it. It is great physically, gives adrenalin, and is surprisingly good transportation too!

I am planning my escape myself. But it is going to take at least a year sadly. (I want to get enough money to get some solar power to where I am going. I'm going to need my computer for my schoolwork.)

 

He sounds like a great kid! Just needed some change for you to see it in him, and for him to see it in himself.

 

So good to see people out there wiv a bit of sense and huge hearts!
Ive a teenage son who is totally awesome- when people know you are bringing up a little un alone they fear the worst.
For us it has and is the best journey ever.
We dont have much, but what we have we value and respect goes along long way!
Well done you for embracing the situation, i have total faith that you have brought a balance to the boys life!

 

Very good KC. Nurture beats nature,except in extreme cases.