Creeping through no man's land

[BeingMe]

You may've responded differently to your mom, if your dad had left. In some ways, kids blame the mother for the break-up of the family, even if it is clearly the father who left, and has the bulk of the blame. Your S16 is getting his way for now. I think you are doing the right thing by sticking to guns. Yes, he is responsible for his decisions, and you do need to hold him up to them (but, don't allow yourself to get too hurt over his stupid choices because he is a teen, and they will do what they will do, but sometimes they pleasantly surprise us).

I really don't care what he thinks anymore.

Ah, this is such a milestone for you or anyone trying to drop the rope, and let go. You shouldn't care what he thinks because what he thinks is irrelevant, and quite frankly, screwed up. You just need to stay consistent with how you deal with the children. Your H is just trying to buy their (especially S16 ... what a sexist) affection and 'loyalty'. It'll work for awhile, but eventually they will see through it.

Anyway, I hope you're feeling a little better now. Tough love is definitely the way to go ... if it's lovingly applied.

Gosh! This is almost like a IM session, but I have DB open while highlighting texts in my books (exams in a couple of weeks) so I see new posts quite quickly.

Take care.