WFEN,
I think our kids' behaviors drive us to the point of emotional numbness. We have to get numb to survive the verbal (and other) junk our kids spew... and I think we do lose the ability to turn off the numbness when contemplating whether or not we "love" our kids. Of *course* we love our kids. It's just... we've had to get more cautious with- any of our emotions towards them. At least, that's how I rationalize it.
These controlled rages really make me wonder (about my kid anyway). Controlled or uncontrolled, the end result is the same - a kid who cannot function in the community without major interventions, in my humble opinion. It's that disconnect, that piece that's missing that would help them to grasp that it's beyond unacceptable behavior. Sure wish we could find that piece.
I do have to admit an almost fond recall of a very similar period in our lives. Got to the point where I though F Y B, was my given name. :wink: I guess it's *almost* a fond memory because somehow we survived, somehow that daily, never ending verbal abuse didn't kill my love for my kid or my determination to make sure he's in the best possible situation that I can find and he will allow.
Hang in there, and a gentle hug for you.
