It is SO hard to get kids to own up to mistakes, apologize or be accountable. ANY kids. I have this fight over and over with Em. She's a good kid but she will NOT admit a mistake. I keep telling her I would rather shat she is honest, back down, admit she's wrong or made a mistake than arguing about it. I figure if I keep reinforcing it eventually she will start doing it. I'd rather you say you screwed up and be accountable than trying to evade blame. Blame's not that bad. It's life. Everyone makes mistakes.

Having a peer group that thinks bad behavior is cool makes it tough for you V. And I don't know what you do to make it sink in. I think you just have to keep chipping away at it, keep the mom informed (and put your asbestos earmuffs on when she leaves you voice mails) and just know you are trying to do what you can.