The morning sun is shining like a red rubber ball.

[LoisB]

I wish someone, other than you, could help your S understand he DOES have a choice. He could opt out of going. He is a teen and he doesn't have to participate if he feels it's too much. I understand he probably wants to be there for his sister.

Also, he sounds like a smart kid...otherwise he wouldn't see things so clearly. Maybe tell him to view this as an experiment of sorts...Follow GoatGal's lead. Suggest he look at this as a social experiment where he is observing a bunch of baboons in their native habitat. Maybe he could get some distance and objectivity that way? IDK...Just thinking out loud.

I guess I'm thinking about kids I've worked with from bad situations. Acknowledging the insanity, but giving them a frame of reference sometimes helps. Yes, this is insane, and, YES, you will be ok and, yes, it's ok to step back and observe without becoming invested in the drama. I know it's a ridiculous expectation to put on a teenager's head, but it's not a bad life skill to develop. If life hands you lemons??