I 100% agree. My “sometimes” meant in-the-moment. Long term gentleness and reasoning is obviously the way to go. But when my daughter is popping off and in full on assault mode, she can’t be “oh I know, doing a thing you don’t like is so tough isnt it?” Out of kicking a fuckin hole in the wall or bruising every one of my limbs.
Ah yes, I know those moments well. On the mild end, my son used to trash his room, and specifically destroyed our favorite read together books or books I got him special, just to try and get to me. It took years of me explaining he’s only hurting himself when this happens. He’s broke many things he loves out of anger. He’s finally starting to get it. Even sometimes, when hes upset and in his room working it out, in a healthy way, he will bring out his favorite possession and hand it/them to me, 'im not feeling safe and I don’t want to ruin this item" so he gives it to me to keep it safe, until he’s feeling better. It took fucking years to get to that point.
Meds have helped a lot, with ongoing group/individual therapy. After episodes, I’ve heard him, cry/whimper in his room, “why am I like this!?” And man it breaks your heart.
I’m glad you haven’t given up, I’ve nearly given up 100 times but we keep pushing forward. Keep seeking that light at the end of the tunnel. I see what you mean now, yeah, in the moment you have to assure safety. It’s not an easy job.
I 100% agree. My “sometimes” meant in-the-moment. Long term gentleness and reasoning is obviously the way to go. But when my daughter is popping off and in full on assault mode, she can’t be “oh I know, doing a thing you don’t like is so tough isnt it?” Out of kicking a fuckin hole in the wall or bruising every one of my limbs.
Ah yes, I know those moments well. On the mild end, my son used to trash his room, and specifically destroyed our favorite read together books or books I got him special, just to try and get to me. It took years of me explaining he’s only hurting himself when this happens. He’s broke many things he loves out of anger. He’s finally starting to get it. Even sometimes, when hes upset and in his room working it out, in a healthy way, he will bring out his favorite possession and hand it/them to me, 'im not feeling safe and I don’t want to ruin this item" so he gives it to me to keep it safe, until he’s feeling better. It took fucking years to get to that point.
Meds have helped a lot, with ongoing group/individual therapy. After episodes, I’ve heard him, cry/whimper in his room, “why am I like this!?” And man it breaks your heart.
I’m glad you haven’t given up, I’ve nearly given up 100 times but we keep pushing forward. Keep seeking that light at the end of the tunnel. I see what you mean now, yeah, in the moment you have to assure safety. It’s not an easy job.