Hello Tom-Ro! I am getting My son help and I will be sure to get myself some when I have more time. For now, having a chat with other parents on this site is making me feel comforted. I feel like it is a drain on my partner to always be in his ear about this. Thanks for reaching out! ... View more

Thank you Schooner! I am trying all of what you have suggested. We are having a good week here this week, and I wish I could have him full-time as I believe he is better here than at his dad’s. There is nothing that I can do about that though, hopefully, as my older son has, he will make his choice to be here when he is old enough. I am happy with the psychiatric help he is getting for now, will see where he is at by the time his three month review rolls around. He is very reluctant to go but I am insisting these sessions are followed through until the end. Thanks for taking the time to share your story. It makes me feel better to know that I am not alone. ... View more

Hello Lizard0812 😊. So nice to be able to talk in here, I wish I had come across it years ago! I am glad to hear that your son has a good role model outside of the family... I would love that for my son! My eldest son found that in my current partner of 7 years, but my middle boy is so confused as he father guilts him about having too much time for my partner. Someone neutral, outside of the family, would give him time and friendship that doesn’t make him feel “torn loyalties”. I do try to be as loving as I can. I guess the problem I am having, especially being part of a blended family, is trying to deal with him in a way that is still setting an example to the rest of the family and that is fair! When he is being disrespectful and naughty, I have to prop him up so that the two younger girls see that it is unacceptable, but also knowing that a post- meltdown is imminent. I don’ t scream like a banshee or belt him so his meltdowns really are an over-reaction. He puts a lot of pressure on himself and self loathes. Does your son have these symptoms?Thanks for responding! ... View more

I will hopefully make some time for me to see someone soon. We are a large family and I am caring for my elderly mother-in-law also, so I feel time poor. I am happy with where I am getting my son help at present. Thank you for talking to me 😊 ... View more

Currently he is not playing sport or his drums! I have tried hard to get him interested again. He is going fishing with a mate this weekend, so that will be good therapy for him I think. I currently have him going through Mental Health at the hospital, which he hates, but am hoping some sessions there will help him manage some of his emotions. ... View more

I do believe that it stems from the divorce. Eight years on I can’t deal with his narcissistic father and he also struggles with his dad. I believe the 50/50 custody arrangement is not appropriate for my son and there seems to be nothing I can do to affect change on this front. ... View more

Thanks for your reply @ Breez-RO. I have seen a few psychologists with my son, and my mention of being “tired of psychologists” is not knocking so much their profession, but more so my frustration with have no end of talking feelings with no real strategies to help with the day-to-day management of my son in my home. My son will have a catastrophic meltdown that is disrespectful, often with physical outlashes, and I am torn constantly between whether he needs reprimanding or a hug (both of which seem to be ill-received). How do you be a good parent? Bad behaviour requires consequences, but when the consequences (which are generally just turning the wi-fi off or taking his devices away) cause such extreme meltdowns and emotional breakdown, what decision is right? I feel bullied as a parent!! ... View more

I feel very empathetic toward you! I am experiencing hell with my depressed and rebellious 14 year old son! His behaviour is so diabolical at times *****, but I know his mental health is poor. Very hard as a parent to be tough, but also do so in a gentle non-damaging fashion ... View more