Rebel without a clue

[Lifes Twists]

That sounds about par for the course. Moms can have a strong pull on the kids. Give it time. Keep consistent and keep trying. Be there for them when they need you and keep offering help, even if it is to buy something they need for school or other.

I found that as time went on my wife was not prepared to handle three teens alone. She did not get the happy life that she thought would happen as soon as I was out of the picture. The kids still fought, they still had demands, They still argued with her and laughed at her when she tried to set some boundaries. When she could not come thru for them, they turned back to me. I was prepared and step back into the void she had created. This frustrated her even more. Unfortunately, with her mental illness, she viewed this as the girls turning on her.

So, be prepared. In time the kids will turn back to you and return.