[scrapperdog]

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I am a Psychology student with many hours of class and readings under my belt, yet know clinical experience so what I offer here is to be taken as simply educated advice, not fact or an immediate solution...That being said, it is most definitely important that you make your daughter feel as if she is "Liked". Love comes naturally, supporting her with food and clothing is natural, but if you expect her to relate to YOU, then you have to relate to her, and treat her as a friend. Perhaps buy her a new computer of her own (that would give her a powerful tool to use with school, while at the same time making her feel as if you support her interests). Compromise is very important but I would most certainly reccomend counseling also, there are some amazing things Psychologists have learned about the brain and behavior. Good Luck.

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Buy a kid failing classes a computer? Reward her for acting up and throwing meltdowns every other day? Not on my watch.

This kid does not need a friend. She needs a strong parent to step in and take control of her and the situation. This girl is out of control and it is the OP's responsibiliy as a father to take control back for the good of the child. It is pretty obvious this guy does not have the tools to do it himself or things would have never gotten this far. That does not make him a bad person, it just makes him someone that needs additional help. Now it is time for a professional to step in and lend a hand. There is a very good chance this girl needs medication.

If this girl improves her behavior and gets the help she needs in school then that is the time to encourage her and buy the computer. Not until then.