On days like today...

[womangirlchild]

...I just feel like banging my head hard against the wall, or smacking it into the computer monitor just because the pain would be a great distraction from the frustration, anger and hatred that I experience at times like these. I find myself wondering today if I really should be concerned about my well being, or if I just need to find a

Comments

[saeriellyn]

This is none of my business, really, and it's not like I have experience since it will be years before I'm raising a teen, but I'm going to get all Dr. Laura on you and demand to know where your husband is in this picture. It's his kid, and he's the man of the house - two reasons why he might carry more authority than you do. If the child is being rebellious and deliberately hateful to you, what are the consequences from Dad? Real consequences, not empty threats. You may never get him to adore you (particularly if Mom is still out there somewhere for him to run to/fantasize about/compare you with) but his father has the right and obligation to require that he treat you with respect. Letting him walk all over you is not being kind to the kid, since it's not teaching him how to control his temper or have respect for authority, both things he's going to need to be a happy adult.

You know this, no doubt, and I'm obnoxious to preach. It just concerns me that the vibe I'm getting from this post is that you feel very alone in this battle, and you shouldn't be. Dad should be the one leading this kid, not picking up the pieces after junior has ripped you to shreds.

[womangirlchild]

You know this, no doubt, and I'm obnoxious to preach. It just concerns me that the vibe I'm getting from this post is that you feel very alone in this battle, and you shouldn't be. Dad should be the one leading this kid, not picking up the pieces after junior has ripped you to shreds.

You're not obnoxious, and you're right, I do feel very alone in this battle. I am alone mainly because of my husband's career currently has him working 6 pm to 3 am, leaving very little time for him to be around. We took on this challenge knowingly, because if we can get through the "season" of the crappy hours, he will be able to change shifts and will be set for retirement and benefits in 5 years. We thought it would be best for the family overall, it's just sometimes I'm not sure we'll make it that far.

-A