Today, I risk damaging my relationship with my son by enforcing “my stupid rules” and “getting all up in the middle of his business”.
Today, I risk losing a client because I had to take the whole day off unexpectedly yesterday to enforce my stupid rules where my son is concerned and left the client hanging.
Today, I risk appearing a fool when I tell the school guidance counselor why, despite his antics of late, I do still trust that my son knows right from wrong, that he’s not a delinquent-in-the-making, and that he needs support beyond what I can supply to figure out how to climb up out of the hole he’s dug for himself where school is concerned.
Today, I risk being wrong when deciding how much (or little) latitude I leave for “natural consequences” to kick in.
Today, I risk being labeled “selfish” or “crazy” when I do whatever it takes to push back the overwhelm, self-recriminations and doubts that are closing in.
Mama said there’d be days like this.
Suzanne Bird-Harris would like to say she made the leap from Corporate America to web coach / WordPress developer on her own terms...but no, she lost her job after the CEO ran off with the 401K funds and went to jail. So, she started her own business with 3 kids, 2 dogs and a cat in tow on Dec. 6, 2002. It's been a wild ride, worth every risk, and she now proudly deems herself "pyschologically unemployable".
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Suzanne, I really enjoyed and learned a lot from your risks today. Thanks for sharing and being so honest.
Suzanne, thanks for being brave. I appreciate the example you’re setting for me as my daughter approaches the teen years. Parenting isn’t easy.
Hang in there Suzanne. I love your faith in your son, and in yourself.
You’ll make it, Suzanne. Somehow parents and children all live through these troubling years – (from a parent who has). I’m sure your doing what you think is best for him will be the right thing.
Today I risk appearing fragile and overly emotional (neither of which I would claim on a “regular” day) when I tell you ladies how much your words mean to my weary soul tonight.
Thank you so much.
You are and will remain an inspiration to me, Suzanne. Much love to you, Laura
Suzanne-
Hugs to you honey!
Your words here remind me of how often parenting feels like walking on a tightrope. It’s a constant practice of deciding when to step back and when to step in. And there are risks either way. Here’s to trusting your gut, yourself and your kid. And the ancient words of wisdom- this too shall pass.
Love to you both!