Gosh, that is quite a journey I have been on there with you.

Parenting is so hard sometimes. I hope she manages to turn things around.

I did this thing when mine were teenagers - if they ever raised their voices or spoke to me in any way that wasn't polite (e.g. No, I want MacDonald's) I pretended I couldn't hear them. They quickly learnt to alter their tone and requests. "Mum, please could we have McDonald's tonight"

Didn't mean they always got it!

It did work both ways. I had to learn to speak to them in the same tone I would if they were a stranger or guest, and not in the adult to child tone that would sometimes creep in.

I think some mothers forget that clear boundaries are also a sign of love.

Your friend doesn't have too long left to turn things around. I hope she manages it.

Lovely insights you sprinkle through this, Sheri.

Annie x