Last night, I started a new family activity: praying together.
I was worried that H would not join, but he did. And he seemed to be very sincere in his prayers.
I am hopeful.
I'm all for introducing new family activities - but geesh ... praying together?? At home, not at church?? Ok - I used to do the Rosary at home with my Grandma and it was OK …. - but how about if you are going to introduce new family activities you do some stuff that might get everyone’s mind of all the “suffering” and into fun, high energy, team building, stuff. Angel – your husband is fantasizing about an exciting new life outside of your marriage; your daughter is cutting herself to get attention … and you guys decide to spice it all up …. By praying together??? ;-)
What about a board game night, or twister or charades or walking around the block – something where you guys have to interact, engage with each other and rely on each other, rather than work together individually to seek ultimate intervention!! lol
I’ve been reading along, and I’m interested in your daughters new acting-out. I was a cutter, from about 13 – 16. It was a tough time – I’m interested she talks to you about it – for me and most of my peers I was eventually in counseling with, cutting was an INTENSELY personal thing. I would never have raised the issue with my parents – even about a third party. Very, very private – so my outsider view is that while she struggles with learning about appropriate coping mechanisms (because she really does need to learn better ways of dealing with discomfort than cutting, acting out etc) she’s attention seeking rather than serious self mutilating ….
SO … when I read your post about praying together – I laughed out loud and thought to myself “Gee, when I was a cutter, if mum had have suggested praying together, I think I might have slashed my wrists!!” lol
Keep at it – you’re doing well. ((hugs)) V
V
Never make someone a priority, who makes you an option.
