My Kids
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Well, I guess "My 10 Year Old" should be the topic. I know we've all gone through times where we just don't feel like the best parents on the planet, and right now I'm struggling. H is doing horribly at school, and in almost every social situation he gets himself into. His teacher sent me a note home the other day that "not a day goes by without name calling or bullying". I took him rollerskating and he called a girl there the "B" word! Of course, he claims she called him a name first, but I'm trying to get him to understand that this is not the way to live. For now, I've taken all his privileges and play dates for the near future, and I've outlined what he needs to do to start earning stuff back. I've made it abundantly clear that I don't intend to raise a bully! In the meantime, his dad is dying. He's on a hospital bed in the livingroom, and I'm on a twin bed in there, and most days he can barely keep his eyes open. I'm sure Dad's situation is having an impact on my son, but I'm trying to teach both of them about compassion and kindness despite the circumstances, H is in counselling, but it's not happening fast enough. I'm also looking into summer camps for behaviorally challenged kids. Any other ideas out there?
Love
Bobbie
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Bobbie - No ideas but wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers. It's so hard to get kids to use constructive outlets for their anger and frustration under normal circumstances, at least it's a challenge at our house. I can't imagine how hard this has to be for all of you.
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you poor thing and your poor kid. . I suspect he is freaking.. it must be so hard to live with such tension and sorrow.
One thing I discuss with my children is 'building character'.. and what they are going to do each and every day to improve.. We openly discuss flaws (laziness or bitchiness for instance) and how embracing the opposite will make them a better person. I take walks with them which is a good one on one time.. we are moving, and positive and i try not to be judgemental.
My daughter had the brilliant idea that she needed counseling. She set up a mini psychiatrist office in the living room with a pen and notepad for me. She laid down on the couch and we had a wonderful talk. I pretended to be a shrink.. It was very very helpful.
I know an 11 yr. old whose father is dying. the kid fell in love with my daughter and was threatening suicide. eek. I talked with the kid on facebook quite a bit. It takes so much energy to shape children and you are probably stretched way too thin.
my best to you in this time.
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Bobbie- I am so sorry you are having to deal with all of this. My 10 year old was having discipline issues at school, but they were mainly caused by learning difficulties. He has dysgraphia and the process of writing is EXTREMELY time consuming for him. We tried getting him assistance with an IEP in the school, but apparently the main concern was getting him through the SOL rather than developing lifetime learning skills. Meanwhile he was hating school and I received regular notes home and he had multiple detentions. I felt like the academic system was working against him and myself. The final straw for me was when my son had to spend field day, two days before the end of third grade, in the principals office. And this for not finishing a writing assignment and with an IEP for writing!spent field day.
OK I didn't mean to make this long winded, but we ended up pulling him and homeschooling. I pulled both my 2nd and 4th grader and the difference for both of them has been amazing. This certainly hasn't been easy, but the results I am beginning to see have made it worth it. It was an extreme response pulling them, but I just saw things getting worse and he was being left behind. We have one boy in our homeschooling field trip group who actually has a professional homeschool teacher. His sister is going through chemo right now so he staying with his Dad in DC and being homeschooled.
I guess I'm just saying there are options beyond the large classroom that you may want to explore. He may need a smaller setting so that he feels like he is more of a significant player.The public schools now have so many kids in each classroom the teachers just can't give the kind of attention some kids need. He certainly is not in control of what is happening in his life right now and bullying I am sure is his way to regain some say. He wants to be able to control something. Your son is going through an incredibly difficult time and I am so sorry you are having to deal with all of this.
Praying for you,
Susan
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Bobbie, I am so sorry you are having difficulty with this.
I don't really have any advice, just want you to know I am thinking of you.
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I'm sorry no advice either but my prayers & thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
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Bobby - My friend's aunt (oddly named Bobbi) is at a similar stage your husband is at, though she was only diagnosed with a brain tumor this summer. She lives with my friend's mother who is also not doing well (not cancer but severe MRSA lung infections, is down to one half of one lung breathing capacity and is rushed to ER and trached and put on a vent at least once a month). You can imagine what the stress level at that house is like.
My friend's father (caretaker and husband of friend's mom and sister in law to Bobbi) had a meltdown last week "I just can't take it anymore" type stuff and my friend was furious. "How could he say those things?!" she said. "How could he be so mean?!" He wasnt mean, he was melting down. He just couldnt take it anymore and exploaded. And he is an adult.
You don't realize it, maybe, but you are more patient than most and kinder, as well. I suspect your son, at 10, does not have any idea what to do with his anger and fear. He is not a bad kid - I have met him - but he is in a bad situation and he just doesnt know what to do.
Counseling, yes. Maybe amp that up to more often, help from the social worker at school, and maybe just time.
I wish I had answers but you know I think of you daily. Love you.
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Gosh it really sounds like he just needs some extra help. I am so so sorry you are going through this! After the hurricane there is a rainbow. One day soon I pray you see your rainbow:)
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Bobbie,
Sorry to hear you are having to deal with this. I also have no advice except maybe to say take it easy on yourself? It sounds like both you and your son have so much to deal with and for you to try to teach compassion and kindness during these times of your lives shows how great a person you are.
Take care.
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Bobbie - I am so sorry you are going through this. How hard it must be for you trying to deal with so much and working through this time with your son. It does sound like he's acting out in anger, but because he is 10 yrs old he doesn't know the best place to direct his anger. I don't know if you've already done this, but would a talk with his teacher or principal help? Do they have ideas or suggestions? I'm sending you a huge bear ((((HUG))))).
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Girls,
Reading all of your replies just brings tears to my eyes. I know this is going to be a long, slow process, but you can bet I'm on it! I'm meeting with his teachers on Monday, and am requesting that the guidance counsellor (who he likes a lot) be there as well. Hopefully, together we'll work it out. In the meantime, I'm hoping that the lack of privileges will be meaningful
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Love
Bobbie
P.S. I'm counting on some kind of rainbow!!!!!!!!!
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here - have a laugh
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Bobbie.....I'm so sorry that you are having a tough time....and that your son is struggling so.....I know in Denver there are resources for kids who are grieving a loss....there are summer camps etc for kids who have lost a parent....there are also support groups for kids that run througout the year......I know your husband/dad is still living, but this may be something to look into for the summer....Have you contacted hospice about supports for your son? It might help for him to meet other kids who are facing similar circumstances....It just plain old s***** for all of you......I know you are doing everything for your son.....but be sure to also take care of yourself.....HUgs to you...Karen
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Bobbie,
Did you speak to his guidance counselor at school? I'm sure they can help him. When my son was in elementary school, he was acting out and the guidance counselor really helped. Hugs to you!
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Oh honey...my heart breaks for you and your boy. He's hurting so bad and feeling out of control. I have no advise that hasn't been given. Just hugs. And lots of prayers!!
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OK I was long winded last time, but thought I'd pass on a thought a friend told me while I was struggling. Her son had had issues and she reminded me that this is only a small bump in the big scheme of things. Eventually he'll be telling his kids how difficult he was and what a great support his mother was during his roughest times. You are doing an awesome job (I know because I can "hear" how much you care).
Be proud that you are stepping up to the challenge,
Susan
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Just checking in to send you a (((hug))). Although my girls are older, I know this is hard on them, especially my youngest who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is away at college and calls almost daily crying that she wants to quit and come home. I am having to play "bad cop" and actually fuss with her and told her there is no way she is coming home, she has to wait until summer and that she can only come home on weekends. This whole process is hard for our children and not only is it hard for them to process, most of them don't have a friend going through the same thing, so they don't have that friend that they can share with......
Good luck.
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Bobbie, God Bless You. You are an amazing woman! I agree with Sherri, it's so hard sometimes
to understand our circunstances, why God would allow them. I believe, at this point your doing the best you can. I have a ten year old daughter, let me tell you, this is not my sweet child of two years ago. She is starting puberty young, she's tall, and that alone can make a child angry.Lets through cancer , and life's major trials in the mix and you have a pretty tough combination going on. Bobbie, Pray, just pray give your dear son who is going through so much to God, He will watch over him and take care of him. I do believe in thie Power of Prayer!
I will be praying for you, your DH, and your son. I will pray that God will bring him peace in his heart, he really needs that right now, he's scared and just expressing in ithe wrong ways. He will
be O.K.
Stay strong sister!!!
You inspire Me!
Stephanie
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I honestly feel like I have you all looking out for me! THANK YOU! I will stay strong, and this will turn around!
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Been praying for you girl, stay strong...you're not called spunkygirl for nothing!
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Bobbie,
I'm so sorry for all that your family is suffering.
(((Hugs)))
Annie
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Bobbie, I can't say anything that hasn't already been mentioned here. Love and patience with your son. He is going through so much, so unfair! When your dear husband finds peace I hope he shines a multitude of rainbows on you guys!!! Love and strength to you.
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Asked around and some recommended the Waldorf schools. Have no idea, but thought I'd pass it along. Also the concensus is that you are an awesome mom and that your son is reacting very normally to a very hard situation. I just keep thinking about you and wish I could wave my magic wand, but it broke 3 years ago when I tried to use it.
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Bobbie - I deal with the same sort of thing with my Grandaughter. Her IQ is 68 and since my diagnosis her anger is terrible. We have her in Twae Kwon Do (sp). It seems to help. As far as the IEP look for a child advocate in your area. I would think that he should be able to use a netbook or laptop to complete assignments. They have to make accommendations. At his age I would let him start attending the IEP meetings and hear what they are saying and be able to answer back about what might help him. That also gives him a little bit of ownership and a sense of being part of the solution. GD is the 3rd child I've raised with an IEP and the biggest thing I've learned is to be pro-active and fight for your child.
Hope something here helps and know that our family will be praying for you and yours.
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Bobbie, I have no advice but am thinking of you. That is a lot to handle at once. {{Hugs}}
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Bobbie, just joining in on the prayers and thoughts for you and your boy.
Do you have a local organization such as CancerCare? They offer all sorts of support groups and even various workshops for children and teens.
Your plan for him sounds good and solid- and, most importantly, he has a great mom in you, so he will be okay.
xo
janyce
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