Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

MO_Thoughts2 says,

Personally, I think it just gets different as they grow. :-)

lillybrook says,

True, but I'm finding that some ages are tougher than others. My son is 12, nearly 13, and this week he hates me. His dad and I are going back to court (his dad's doing, not mine) and he's been talking to the kids and twisting what is happening in an attempt to get them to choose sides -- well, choose HIM. I think that - with my son - it's working.

EnMasse says,

It NEVER gets easier. There will always be [hopefully] another person on the planet that you care about more than your own life and, once they are grown, you have only so much say and control over their safety and life. The stakes are high - from conception - until you die.

maryjane31 says,

They say "little kids,little problems". "Big kids, big problems". I raised three boys and I have to say this does ring true. It gets wonderful when they are grown adults with their own families. Hang in there! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

lillybrook says,

It was a rough week, but the breaking point for me was when I finally just snapped and -- honestly -- yelled, something I never do. In the end, I just said, "You do not have to choose! That would be like someone asking me to pick you OR your sister -- it's impossible. I don't know why you feel like you need choose, and I have no idea why you decided I lose." And he got it. He apologized, he hugged me, he admitted he has been doing JUST that, and he's been himself again. (Deep sigh). Hopefully that will continue; he's an awesome kid (when he isn't being a punk). :-)

sisterpoet says,

NEVER!!!!

AQScott says,

I agree with MO...and I feel for you...divorce is so tough on kids, even when it's amicable...just heading into the eye of the storm myself.

lillybrook says,

Good luck AQScott. We have a child custody hearing tomorrow. Think good thoughts for me, please. The ex has NOTHING on me, but that doesn't mean he won't try. And judges are unpredictable.

canadafreeze says,

You're the mom. You had him last ... literally speaking. Hold that against your chest and breathe.
It does get a little easier as they grow. The intensity diminishes when they get into their own lives, but you never stop being 'the mom'. The roles change. And, here's the good news ... when they have children of their own, they get it. They look at you with wondering eyes ... how did you do it, mom?
It's a long road, but one worth traveling. Good luck:)

accidentaltourist says,

My son has two kids now. More than once when has been at his wits' end, he has looked at me and said, "I'm so sorry." And we laugh.

lillybrook says,

Thanks. Court went well on Friday, I think. The judge's ruling will come this week, but he was very open about how much he didn't support what my ex was asking for. So I think the chances of this ending... well, as positively as it can, is good. My son has been more my son these days, and I think that seeing a therapist helps. We'll see if the ruling swirls things up or settles them down.