When "children" are all grown up though... sometimes, that's the worst possible thing to do. especially boys.
Yes, you want to avoid him suffering. Sometimes, though, that's the only way people can "grow". If you shield him from it, he will never be able to grow and become stronger.
That is where I'm at with S #3 who is 18. He needs to be cut loose a bit but it is an area of contention with W. We agree on what we want him to do. It is when I ask what about the "or else" that we have issues. I needed to be homeless and sleep in my car for 3 or 4 weeks at his age to be willing to change my ways. He seems to be a chip off the old block in this regard but I am having a difficult time convincing W that tough love is the only choice.
Gone the carvings and those who left their mark. Gone the kings and queens, now only the rats hold sway.
