My Journey Through MST

When MST came into our lives I was deeply concerned for my son's education, welfare and his future as things seemed to be going from bad to worse and I felt like I was actually losing my son.  He was not attending school, mixing with negative peers, staying out late at night and sometimes all night, smoking illegal substances, being verbally and physically aggressive and destructive and he was actually living with my parents after being bailed.  It was so upsetting and distressing to see and experience and I was convinced it was too late to turn this around.

He had just been moved to alternative provision off site and his attendance was below 20%.  His levels way below average as during year 9 his attendance was appalling and when he did attend he completed very little work.  His attendance is now nearer to 80% and his levels have improved - going from a U to a D in maths and a subject he was convinced he would fail at.  I now feel I have the confidence to implement consequences and give praise and rewards where deserved.  He has recently made the decision of his own accord to give up smoking and has joined the gym and regularly goes trampolining which has helped with his GCSE PE at school which he was adamant he was not going to do when he went into year 10.

The relationship I now have with my son is so much more positive and he is thriving.  MST offered support and guidance where needed and helped me put things in place like a morning and evening routine, behaviour management plan and gave me lots of advice.  My therapist came to visit me during my working day and evenings and there was someone always on the end of a phone to give advice if needed.  I too have started to do more joining a running club, dog walking club and going out and I feel much better myself for this.

My son loves the predictability and structure that has now been implemented both at home and school.  Our house rules are clear and visible to my son and I and I complete his behaviour sheet daily and his 4W sheets which I have found most useful - this helps me monitor where he is, who he is with, what he is doing and when he will be back.

It is really difficult to remain calm when you have an angry, verbal, hormonal, upset and know it all argumentative teenager hurling abuse at you but what you need to remember is that if you react to that it will only make the situation worse and things will escalate.  You have to remember you are the parent so you need to remain calm and lead by example - your child learns everything from you and when their world seems like it is falling apart they will look to you for support as you are their whole world.  MST has been a god send to our family.

Kind regards.

Mum A