I’m on my way to pick up the kids. They are going to be with me tonight and tomorrow morning my son goes camping at the Pinnacles National Park.
Yesterday was a tough day for him. He seemed to really reach the end of his rope. His frustration levels are through the roof. I get that he’s 14 and struggling. I get that he wrestles with ADD and OCD. But it’s still upsetting to see your son struggle with controlling his emotions and with feelings of failure.
He had to go to an afterschool detention of sorts because of some back talking or use of his phone, I’m not sure which. But that took place this afternoon. He’d been voicing concerns about how people saw him because he was being called out for breaking rules in the classroom.
In an effort to put things into perspective, I sent him a message right before he went into it, saying that he should keep in mind that what he’s doing right now is learning to follow rules and boundaries in a social environment and that it’s nothing to do with him as a person. He really is a good person and many people have commented on this.
I wrestled throughout my youth and adult years as well with self-esteem issues. So it’s really important to me that he gets the positive reinforcement he needs to be confident and successful in life. My daughter seems to get it, she’s got an independent streak and ability to keep perspective. And when focused and clear-headed he does too. But there are times he feels overwhelmed. I can relate.
