I am not sure that there is anything worse than watching your tiny child retch for days. I always feel so helpless when my babies have a tummy bug. It is so much more physical and visceral for them than it is for adults.
Absolutely. It was tough on the poor kid. He woke up screaming every time he needed to spew. Quite the jolt to the system being woken in that manner (for both of us).
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A few messages where you didn't have to have your guard up, didn't have to pre-meditate your communication.
It was just... easy. A welcome change after months-- no, a full year-- of tense negotiations. Partly, I think, because I am now so confident in my position, my boundaries, and my character that I can communicate in a more relaxed manner. He asked to make up the missed time and I didn't hesitate to say yes. I could have insisted that he sign the parenting plan before agreeing, and would be right to do so, but this seems to be a better way to manage him.
S2 is with X tonight for a family Christmas event and sleepover. He confirmed the location and provided emergency contact information. I didn't feel the slightest bit of anxiety or fear or distrust in letting him take S2; in fact, I waved him off gladly. I need a break after five straight days in the house with a bored, grumpy and sick toddler. I think I'll take myself out for dinner and catch up on The Crown.
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First: Dog training. Reward the good behaviour and ignore the bad.
Just like parenting!
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X is starting to realize and face his life and his choices. That will probably start and stop as he progresses; nonetheless he is changing.
Whether he is capable of change or not remains to be seen. Kml would probably argue not! I think it's more likely that my carefree attitude alleviates the obvious guilt which usually activates his attack mode. When he asked to make up the missed time this weekend, I said no, sorry, we're busy. He replied no worries, how about the following week? I said sure, just let me know where he'll be staying and who I can contact. Like I said, it was just easy.
I think I've reached the state of meh. It's nice here.
