I took difficult child to the Carnival today, and I am glad I did.
Everything went smoothly, and he had a good time. I think being able to feel like a part of the community again went a long way to healing him. I think that he has already partially given up on himself (yes, at age 8) because he is always getting into trouble.
He was an absolute angel, though I was watching him like a hawk, which is not my usual style of parenting. While I don't think any child can truly be themselves with mom or dad "on them" 24/7, I think in his case, I kinda have to be, at least where other children are involved.
Thank you all for the advice you gave. I truly think that if he had missed the Carnival, it would have done more harm than good, and, in the long run, served to make him feel worse about himself, and more isolated.
I'm SO glad I found this place.
I had no idea how badly I needed it...
Everything went smoothly, and he had a good time. I think being able to feel like a part of the community again went a long way to healing him. I think that he has already partially given up on himself (yes, at age 8) because he is always getting into trouble.
He was an absolute angel, though I was watching him like a hawk, which is not my usual style of parenting. While I don't think any child can truly be themselves with mom or dad "on them" 24/7, I think in his case, I kinda have to be, at least where other children are involved.
Thank you all for the advice you gave. I truly think that if he had missed the Carnival, it would have done more harm than good, and, in the long run, served to make him feel worse about himself, and more isolated.
I'm SO glad I found this place.
I had no idea how badly I needed it...