It's been a difficult few days leading up to the Teen's return to school today. Transitions just aren't his thing.
As a result, my physical and emotional energy has been directed toward him much more than usual lately - and this has benefited neither him nor me. Nor the rest of the family, for that matter. When his 20% of the family starts to eat up 90% of everyone's energy and patience, something is terribly wrong.
The fact of the matter is, if the child wants to self-destruct, if he wants to fail - he's going to do it.
No amount of effort on my part, or anyone else's, is going to make him care more about his grades, his sports, his college prospects, or his future in general. He needs to either decide to care, or not. We're here for him if he wants our help, but us caring about it more than he does isn't doing any of us any good.
He needs some good study and practice habits, and we can offer him suggestions and guidance - and incentives - in this department.
But the saying is true. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
I'll be sure to share any good news, but for the time being, it is what it is.
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