I was just complimenting my 12 year old today on his wise choices and general "having it together" the day before, when he went and did all the things that make me go crazy.

We have to stay sane, at least in front of them

Rollercoatser for sure. Never quite certain when the stubbor rebel without a true cause will appear though I'm sure sleep, nourishment, etc help keep that at bay. Some moments or days I think "Wow. He really is maturing!" Other moments I think "I need an IV filled with valium or xanex or vodka or something." (I haven't had a glass of wine in maybe 8 months and I know drugs and alcohol are not the solution! I have a warped sense of humor. We'' ley me re-phrase....abusind drugs would never happen, but I may need meds to survive tweendom and teendom (prescribed by a doctor of course.) Yes, I vent with friends in the same boat. It's just WOW.

I not religious, but I have asked God for strength and patience quite a few times. It's like toddlerhood 2.0.