I saw Dr. Phil's program today (Jan, 7) I only saw the last half or so. The situation with the family and daughter Kathryn very closely sounds like our granddaughter. She is 25 and I saw that she had problems from about age 3. She is married and has a daughter 4 yrs, old. She has had numerous "out of control" situations over the years. Her mother wanted to get her help but her, now ex-spouse wouldn't let her. Her episodes have recently escalated into violence. She kicked her husband down the basement stairs, then went down and kicked him in the ribs in front of their 4 year old daughter. This particular episode lasted about 1 week. She later apologized and her husband told her she had "crossed the line". We are afraid that telling her she needs help will only bring another episode. As I said she is now 25 so there is no way we can force her into seeking help and will only result in another episode. She has now resumed carrying on with 2 guys on the internet via e-mails or texting. Dr. Phil did not give any suggestion about someone who is "of age" getting help. This whole thing often happens in front of their daughter and I have started to see her pick up some of her mothers actions. I don't know if this is a learned or genetic process but she is about to ruin a very smart, sweet and loving 4 yr. old. We have gotten to the point of not caring what happens to our granddaughter but are very concerned about her daughter. This has gotten to the point where her husband is going to seek a divorce, but if that happens we DO NOT want her to get custody because of the inevitable consequence. During this latest episode she locked herself in the bathroom with a loaded gun and a knife. She finally threw the gun out of the room and against a wall. I now have the gun. As a teenager she went thru episodes of cutting herself on her arms and bears scars from that. Dr. Phil suggested the family on the program get a behavioral manager and said the daughter must be included. I am afraid she won't cooperate and the situation will only get worse, again to the detriment of the 4 yr. old. We are open to any suggestions or guidance you can give.
Thanks
Ron Wentz