Interesting recent editorial in the NYT about "parents pushed to the limit"

[1 Day At a Time]

Here's a link to an editorial about "parents pushed to the limit":

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/opinion/12ellison.html?scp=1&sq=the parent trapped&st=cse

I really appreciated the honesty of this mother, and I could definitely identify with her.

Valerie

 

[DaisyFace]

Thanks for sharing this...

but the article begs the larger question - IF parents want help...where in the world are they to find it? Ever-shrinking budgets are cutting services left and right - "Parents at their Limits" may become more and more common...

 

[HaoZi]

They sound a lot like us.

 

[4timmy]

Interesting article. Thanks for sharing. Makes us realize we are not alone. I have been guilty of loosing control and screaming at my difficult child during arguments. I'm also guilty of breaking down in tears in front of him at least twice. I wonder now if I can even expect to regain any kind of respect from him, or if these few incidents have completely ruined any chances of being a better parent.

 

[rlsnights]

FWIW I think nothing short of killing your kid rules out your being a better parent. Are some things so unforgivable that your child should probably be taken away? Certainly.

But that does not mean that YOU cannot become a better parent - even if all it means is staying away from your child and giving their care to others.

As for respect - while it's admirable to have the integrity that leads you to feel unhappy you responded this way a few times, I doubt your pre-teen will have any less respect for you than he probably already does. Unfortunately.

Don't buy into the black and white way of seeing the world - we are all human and make mistakes. Especially when pushed to the edge by difficult child's.

Hugs,

Patricia

Patricia

 

[TerryJ2]

Great article! I love her writing style.
And I love the honesty.
It is very weird, how we can do something as seemingly off-the-cuff and impulsive (albeit immature) as to slap a teenager in the face, and find that a week later, it is something ominous and premonitory.
I am linking this and putting in on Facebook for other friends whose kids are autistic and/or Aspie, or bipolar.