That's awful, Liese. I'd hit the roof if someone did that. I hope you find someone trustworthy.

Oh jeez, Liese.

So, that makes my lunch issue seem pretty unimportant. They made my sandwich with turkey instead of roast beef! With Boursin! It's still good, but not AS good.

bonny, does the mom belong to a support group, maybe an online one for parents of adhd kids?

msbelle, she does not participate in any groups...

She has to get out of the headspace of blaming people for not understanding. Them understanding doesn't change it happening. Them understanding won't magically take her anger away.

Amen. I think, in some ways, she is looking for a magical answer that does not include letting go of her blaming the son AND her ex, or being who they are. She keeps bringing the child to me, despite verbally suggesting she does not trust me. I think she's hoping I'll unlock something 'normal' in him and she won't have to grieve or process her own feelings.

Also, I would suggest if she has the time or money, a martial arts class for her and for the kid. not together. also? meds, for both of them. better living through chemistry.

They are both medicated at this point and I can really see the boy's meds wearing off by the time he gets to me at 4pm. It just points up how much MORE she has to deal with each day.

I will suggest martial arts. I want to think it would be great for the boy, who parrots stuff about 'being nice' and 'controlling himself' but it seems as if he has not idea how, and no real reason to, given how things work between them.

Thanks for the book suggestion, Cashmere. It looks really helpful.

Jumping in to agree with Liese - it's generally better to start playing on an acoustic instrument. There are a number of good instruments made for people with small hands and bodies from Samick, Strunal, Martin, Taylor and others (that is, low-end to high-end).

Try McCabe's (Pico Blvd in Santa Monica between 30th & 31st, across from TJs); they have a really good selection and are kid-friendly.

Yikes Liese. That is so not on.

Jumping in to agree with Liese - it's generally better to start playing on an acoustic instrument.

I'd recommend a classical guitar, which has nylon strings.

eta: Nylons strings are much easier on the fingers than steel strings.

I am a recent convert to support groups, but I am SO INTO MINE. Even when it's just awful stuff. So good to have a group of people in the same situation.

I recommend them for everyone!

I really wish my bank would quit trying to get me to add overdraft protection to my accounts whenever I do a teller transaction. I know what that really means, and you're NOT trying to do me any favors, so cut it out.

Victorian Batwoman

Scrappy, that's so fun!!