13 YR. OLD SON

OUR 13 YR OLD IS A LOVING CHILD. HE JUST WON'T MIND.HE KNOWS RIGHT FROM WRONG BUT CHOOSES TO DO WRONG.I CAN'T LEAVE HIM ALONE IN FEAR OF SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN. MY 8 YEAR OLD ACTS BETTER THAN HE DOES. HE IS ON ADHD MEDS. AND A BIPOLAR MED.IT IS CAUSING MAJOR FAMILY PROBLEMS. YES, HIS DAD IS WITH US. I JUST GET TIRED OF THEM ARGUING ALL THE TIME. I NEED HELP. HIS BEHAVIOR IS CAUSING HIM TO HAVE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL TOO.ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREAT.THANKS

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Jana,

If your son has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is on meication (which would be appropriate if the diagnosis is correct), he should be in therapy as well. Part of the therapy should involve collaboration with, and guidance for, you and your husband.