Thanks Kate and Kerry, you've both been excellent in making me feel like all is not lost.

Karry, I am going to use some of your suggestions, I think they're great! If nothing else, it will prepare her for the path she's chosen and will teach her to manage her money better. Also will defeat the purpose of her learning some real life skills if mum and step-dad bail her out all the time, plus pay for her toiletries, allow her to cadge bus fare etc. I think you're spot on there! Will discuss this with her tonight.

Kate, I guess I would be more relaxed if I knew she was going the way you have, and will manage herself and her life well. I think my biggest worry is that she seems to lack motivation in general, and that she thinks she can bum around the house until lightning strikes and she figures out what she wants to do with her life.

But I had a long talk with DH about it last night too, and he said that he thinks I should just have faith in her that I've raised her well, and once she gets her head around her life, that the values I've taught her will bring her back round. And that everyone's future isn't necessarily tied to a uni degree.

So I guess I'm coming round to the idea. I am starting to understand that a conventional schooling and education may not be for everyone, and I hope something comes out of this that makes her happy. I would be happy with that!

Thanks everyone for your kind kind words of advice. You will never know how much I depend on you all on Belly Belly to give me good solid advice and help me think things through.

Love
sushee