Throughout all this, the father persevered, and the son's ultimate turn-around became as legendary in his community as the initial rebellion. Though not in his exact words, following is what he told me. Don't assign blame. But assigning blame doesn't help. And besides, often there is no one to blame.
Good parents can raise children who rebel.
It happens all the time. My adviser told me how he remained firm with his child, forcing him to face the consequences of his own decisions. Don't pay damages they need to restore. Don't replenish funds they mishandle. Don't tell lies to keep them from facing the truth.