Re: being a strong parent (# 2989)

October 3, 2005

Hi --

Just want to echo the comments of others here -- it's natural and logical

to worry about the obstacles that life throws at our kids (and us); the trick

is to not let the worry defeat you! Rely on your survival instinct -- read

everything you can, listen to those who are informed and experienced. Recent

studies indicate that as many as 1 in 100 children/adolescents have some form

of OCD, so you're not alone. You've already begun to take care of yourself and

your son by reaching out to others on this site.

It is scary to feel like you're " losing " your child to some internal

force and it is sad feeling concern that his future seems to be threatened by

it.

Less than a year ago I was writing here that I " just want my [13-y.o.] child

back " (actually, now that he's 14, I'm thinking that I'd like to have my

2-y.o. back.... :-)) No, he still doesn't have things completely under control,

and he still doesn't give us a clue about what his obsessions are, but he's

made many steps forward in the last year. -- usually by moving two steps

forward and then one back. Most of our kids may never be on a " normal " (if

there

is such a thing!) direct path to adulthood, but they will get there. When (NOT

if!) you start to feel overwhelmed, you need to figure out how to step away

and do something for yourself -- go to an afternoon movie, get your nails done,

take a hot bubble bath, take up jogging, etc. -- AND talk to someone

sympathetic. Life may not be like " Ozzie and Harriet " (I'm probably dating

myself, by

saying that), but it WILL get better. We're all here to remind you of that

:-)

Jane B.

In a message dated 10/3/2005 9:38:24 AM Eastern Standard Time,

writes:

Subject: Please help me be strong for my son !

Please help,

I feel like I am slowing becoming disfunctional - I'm not

sleeping...constant worry about my son - as soon as he goes to sleep I

have complete melt downs.

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