It may be time to stop explaining and just validate with lots of hugs and boy time. Just be and do. Over and over again. "S7, this is very tough being without mom here. I understand." and " I can see it's hard for you when I go out somewhere and to work. Can we do x or y when I get back/ you come home from school. That will give me something to look forward to". "Dad needs a hug right now" and " would you like to help me cook dinner, to prepare the veg?" And "what shall we have tomorrow to eat" and "shall we have a BBQ on Saturday". Look forward and plan stuff that shows you will be around.
I did say hugs, lots of them, big juicy boy hugs with a little rough and tumble.
Let S7 help you with cooking too, creating his own food, learning to chop vegetables etc. These will ground. It will help him feel in control.
Have you thought about redecorating his room? H1 and I used to do this with foster kids, makes their room their own, gives them a sense of longer term. It gives kids choices, colour, posters, etc. He can help. It renews, refreshes and isn't expensive to do. Even if he chooses lime green, let him, take a tester of a few colours and try them out.
V
Last edited by Vanilla; 09/20/1508:49 AM.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to loose. V 64, WAW
