I have a relative in her mid twenties with a 5 year old child. She has shared custody of the child and lives at home with her mother.

She does not have a job and is not looking for one. She has a boyfriend and just goes about her life doing nothing all day long (when she is not with her son) and going out partying at night.

Her mother wants to kick her out, but it would jeopordize the custody situation, as it is very delicate already.

What can we do to get this girl to take responsibility for her own life? Right now we all just deal with it, but it is rediculous that she uses the child as a pawn in her game, because she knows she can.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Where does she get money to go out and party? Is there any chance that her mother can make rules to abide by if she chooses to stay at home? Ex. Help around the house, pay rent, etc... This may make her want to look for a job. Would creating a curfew help the going out and partying problem or at least cause her to want to get a job and work towards a healthy environment for her and her child?