Steely, being parents of difficult child's and going through our various requirements of "warrior mom" (whether we are in the mood for it or not) probably leaves many of us with self-doubts about stuff like that sometimes. I glanced through these posts but haven't read every word in all of them so this might be repeating something. But, I noticed that even when I don't think a reponse "hits the nail on the head" for my situation, the other repsonses are still helpful. For one, I still mull them over and consider all options. Sometimes I change my mind at that point, or I feel like I have a Plan B if the first "option" doesn't work. If I don't try that option at all, then I at least feel better that I considered several options. To me, it isn't about one idea being right or wrong, it is about finding what we think will work in our given situation- so they are "options". But, feeling like I am aware of other options makes me feel more confident.
And, it isn't just people outside the board who lurk.
Sometimes I look at threads in forums here that I wouldn't post in (Early Childhood, PE, for instance). And, I still learn something or get ideas to put in my back pocket for a later date.
I look at this board as an on-line support group full of more credible experience than any counselor that I've taken difficult child to has. As I mentioned to another "poster" last night, if nothing else, responses here have let me know that I am not just going insane.
Thanks for raising this question- it made me realize how lucky I am in some ways. But, I'm pretty sure that you can get rid of your snippets now!!
PS There might be something to be said for being comfortable enough to throw an idea out even when we aren't sure about it- just to get feedback. So, we don't always have to put up our best, rehearsed front like when we face certain people at sd and courts, etc.