sounds as if most of us here need a hug! I almost feel bad to update that things are going well with our 15yo DD. She has settled into boarding school really well and exceeded all our expectations. We talk to her every night on the phone and she seems to be over the worst of the homesickness. Living away from home really seems to helped her appreciate us as parents. To he honest though it's been the support we have received from my sister, BIL, my aunt and uncle and my grandfather that has really helped. DD has spent most weekends with these extended family members and because she has had to be on her best behaviour a lot of her bad habits have been dealt with. My family basically reinforce DH's and my values so this has been important and valuable. For instance she has had to be tidier: no more leaving wet towels on the bedroom floor etc. She was also not eating breakfast when she was here at home but at boarding school she can't snack when she feels like it and has therefore started to eat breakfast with the other girls... It is compulsory to be in the dining hall at 7.15am anyhow so I guess she figures she might as well eat something. She also hadn't had access to caffeine drinks which was also worrying me when she was at home (friends would buy her cans of Mother etc) and she would help herself to my coffee. Best of all there had been no more sneaking out at night!

I know not all families can send their kids to boarding school but even time away from home with trusted extended family would have helped our DD. She will be coming home for the school holidays in 2 weeks and we are really looking forward to it... And hoping that she keeps up the good work at home as she has while away!