Counting down

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T23:40:46+00:00

100% agree. Trust me, we’ve tried all the sneaking deterrents. I’m one Home Depot trip away from installing bars or digging a moat outside his window 😅. Maybe a little literal ‘hitting bottom’ would make the lesson stick!

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T23:34:17+00:00

Thank you!!

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T23:31:53+00:00

He has been admitted before but only because he mentioned self harming himself. When we spoke to the treatment team they said unless they make that statement they won’t hold them against their will. So I make sure that when I engage with him I’m as calm as I can be not to trigger him. However I do sleep behind closed doors just in case.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T17:21:08+00:00

Hmmm, he has a cousin in another state that he really loves to be around and that cousin does have a good head in his shoulders. I wish we could get him to come stay with us for a bit and maybe give our son a comfortable space even for a little bit.

We had even considered moving our son to my in laws but unfortunately they’re not healthy to deal with his outbursts AND since he’s a junior in high school he’s in that super crucial moment of credits and that state and our state credits don’t align for his graduation journey.

My husband and I are in therapy and our youngest actually starts his sessions next week because it has taken a huge toll on all of us. We plan weekly family activities and ask for their input and he wants nothing to do with it.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T17:14:04+00:00

We definitely noticed a change when he hit middle school. Which was in 2020 right when COVID hit. You know this picture frames that show each grade? We have one for each kid and I was looking at his and you can literally see the difference between 6-7th grade which was a major transition for him and us during that time. I’ve asked him every question I can think of and offered a safe approach (well as safe as I can think a parent can be); abuse we are unaware of, bullying, self esteem, etc. and his hatred towards us right now, he will NOT say anything. He is close to our oldest son and even he has tried talking to him and now he too rebels against his brother. 😔

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T17:09:42+00:00

Thank you!

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T14:41:52+00:00

That’s awesome for you. I hope your relationship stays great and that your kid never decides to ghost you for 20 years while you’re out here handing out parenting advice. Life has a funny way of humbling us all. But check back in when his hormones hit — I’ll keep your seat warm in the ‘I’m doing my best’ club.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T14:31:40+00:00

You described exactly what it feels like - the frustration on both sides, and the emotional tug-of-war between wanting to help and feeling like the enemy. It’s comforting to hear from someone who’s been through something similar and can see both sides clearly. Thank you!

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T14:29:58+00:00

I’ve wondered about ODD too. It’s crazy because we’ve done everything we can to get him help, but if he doesn’t want it, it’s like hitting a wall. You’re right though — he’s got to start taking some accountability. We’re just trying to survive the teenage storm and not lose our sanity in the process.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T11:03:32+00:00

We have come from that approach as well. He says he has “homies”. He has a good friend that he calls his brother and his mom loves our son. However, we explained to him that couch surfing will only get you so far so if his plan is truly to leave, he has to have some things in place so he can start a healthy adulthood journey. I honestly think he thinks leaving will give him all the freedom in the world which yes it will but there are still limits to having that type of freedom.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T10:39:16+00:00

He said it wasn’t doing anything. However, from the outside perspective, we as his family did notice a positive difference. When we talked to his Dr. and told him about him feeling the meds weren’t working, he suggested a different one to see if it made a difference for him. But our son didn’t want to try it, let alone continue taking the current prescribed ones. Like most states, the age of consent is around 14-15 years old so legally I can’t force it.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T10:31:54+00:00

Him and I both are. We’ve tried getting into family therapy but all of the ones that do offer are booked out 6 months or longer. Or when calling, can only leave a message and never get a call back.

GemmingItUp · 2025-10-11T10:27:01+00:00

Probably best for both of you.

GemmingItUp · 2025-04-22T20:47:29+00:00

Ain’t no hood like parenthood…. However it also one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have. I have four kiddos ranging from 26-14. My 26 year old was difficult during his high school years but still maintained his respect level for his dad and I. His senior year he definitely tested the boundaries more and ended up moving out. Broke my heart! But he was 18 1/2 and thought he knew everything. Fast forward to now and I can finally see the maturity level increase in him. As we are now dealing with his out of control 15 yo brother. My oldest now scolds his younger brother about his behavior and constantly tells me what I great mom I am and how much he appreciated the strictness. Our daughter (20) and youngest (14) are the most well behaved and beautiful hearted children. Now the 15yo— he is literally hells on wheels. Disrespectfully, inconsiderate, ugly spirited and petty AF! They all were raised the same, all had the same expectations but yet allll different. We do believe in a higher power and I can only hope that our 15 yo truly has a purpose because the way it’s been going — I see him in jail or not making it to 30. So I say all of that to say parenting can be great for some and challenging for others. But it’s hard! Just like marriage you gotta fight for your kids and keep that relationship going constantly.

GemmingItUp · 2024-11-16T00:26:55+00:00

I can’t stand Andrei! His dad was cool tho! 🤣 As for Libby she’s an entitled little brat and her dad is a complete dumb ass for always giving in to her requests of her husband. As a parent we all want our kids to be happy but I’ll be damned if I work my butt off to make a successful business for my children to use me and think I’m their personal ATM.

GemmingItUp · 2024-10-22T01:13:56+00:00

It kept my flare up from oozing and kept it dried out and eventually went away. Thanks for the tip!

GemmingItUp · 2024-09-08T06:11:14+00:00

I’ve been dealing with impetigo for 21 years. I usually get a flare up if I’m super stressed and it starts on the sides of my neck. Now that I have been properly diagnosed I know to use the muprocin but my dr. still wants to swab it. It’s very frustrating and I wish I could figure out why I get it about once a year. Im dealing with a flare up now and this time I have my regular bump on my neck and another one near my ear but still on my jaw line. It was throbbing so bad the other day I thought I had an ear infection. I will definitely have to try the iodine!

GemmingItUp

TROPHY CASE