So far so good ---  T-Man went to school today.  In fact, I decided to sleep in this morning.  I was exhausted from last night and decided why bother getting up anyway.  Well guess who came in and woke me up?  We hurried and made it on time.  I was wondering when he would see that staying home or wondering the neighborhood would get old.  Actually, I shouldn't be surprised.  Last night he walked in the door from being gone all evening (he did stop by for dinner --which he never does) and asked me to get off the computer immediately.  I told him no.  Earlier he swore at me and flipped me the bird when I told him he needed to stay home after eating with us instead of taking off.  My husband was mad at me for not getting off the computer.  Why?  Because T was crying and had to get on the computer for only 15 minutes.  My husband ended up going upstairs to talk to T.  They both came downstairs and my husband thought if my son apologized to me that everything would be okay and that T would get on the computer!  I don't get it.  A simple apology under different circumstances -- I would understand BUT for all the abuse our son has given us...there are no consequences?  I was so upset.  Again -- in my son's eyes.....mom is insignificant.  Mom and Dad are not a team regarding parenting.  T admitted that he was having girlfriend problems which is why I know he went to school today, but I am sorry....he has to know that no matter what his problems are ....he can't treat people like that ....particularly his parents! I was so angry with my husband for overriding me again and not supporting me.....that I packed my bags.  I was very ready to leave.....car running.  I decided, however, that wasn't the solution.  I talked with my husband and he said he wouldn't pull that stunt again.  And how many times have I heard that?  I wish I could convey to him that when we place consequences and boundries on our son it's because we love him.  He thinks it's mean.  It hurts me knowing that he thinks I take pleasure in doing what I am trying to do.  All he keeps saying to me is that the consequences we place on our son "isn't working" and that his behavior is the same.  I keep trying to point out that if we don't do anything and T is free to do whatever....he would have no reason to change at home.  All these things take time to sink in.  

Replies

deleted_user
deleted_user

The right thing is the right thing.. and wrong is wrong..

Just because the right thing does not seem to be working does not mean we should start doing wrong!
deleted_user
deleted_user

Oh my gosh, he doesn\'t change because he doesn\'t have to; your husband bails him out. You are so right, boundaries are about love. If kids can\'t learn the consequences of their behavior/words at home, where there is a softer landing, life is a really rude wake up call. It takes six weeks of consistency before any behavior changes would even be noticed let alone start to be internalized. (And that\'s without the addiction issue.) I know you are doing your best -- it really is tough love for you!!