The Teenage Brain

Ok, I hope I didn't get anyone too excited thinking I had to secret to figuring the teenage brain out.  In reality I am sitting here puzzled and wondering how the thought process works in a teenagers mind...or if in fact there is even a thought process.

My oldest is going to be 17 in mere months.  As you know from previous posts he moved out of our house into his Dad's almost 6 months ago.  He didn't want to live by our house/family rules and that was the consequence.  One that he was happy with.  He had the view that the grass was greener on the other side and couldn't wait to move out and leave behind all the stupid rules, responsibility and expectations.

There has been a complete role reversal since Austin has moved in with his Dad.  Nuckter calls me and I can hear the weariness in his voice, I recognize the helplessness in his sighs.  How come EVERYONE else can get it but the one person that NEEDS to doesn't?  I had years of that weariness and helplessness trying to raise Austin, but from this side of the fence it doesn't look as bad.  Luckily the years of experience behind me I am able to remember just how difficult it was.  And it was difficult, but it was difficult for everyone.

I have been informed that Austin is failing classes, skipping entire days of school to stay home and play xbox all day long, stay up late sneaking on the xbox until 4am, missing shifts at work.  He is disappointing family and friends. I had to reassure my exhusband that he was doing the right thing.  That I know it is a lot of work and often it isn't fair to the rest of the family.  I also had to tell him that he has to look at the bigger picture.  The "worst thing that could happen" game that I often play in my head. 
Austin may not pass all his classes this year.  The worst thing that could happen would be that he repeats a year and doesnt graduate as planned.
Austin is missing shifts at work, the worst thing is that he could be fired and would lose his cell phone, car, xbox etc until he gets another job.
It's this worst thing game that has my mind wonder down some darker paths.....
Austin isnt taking his medication, the worst thing would be if he was selling/giving his medication to someone else to abuse
Austin is lying and stealing from family/friends, the worst thing would be if he was arrested.
Austin is very impulsive and without his medication he acts without thinking.....the worst thing would be if he was in an accident.

I pray that one day soon Austin's teenage brain starts to work and he considers the worst thing that could happen.
Until then I just do the best I can with what tools I have.