Facing a young bloke in his growing up ‘alone’ isn’t an easy task… and you’re alot braver then most people Jen because you want to deal with it, look into what’s going on and be a part of the solution. I can’t tell you how many parents I’ve worked with, who simply refused to see what’s going on for their young person, and want to have someone ELSE deal with it.

In a lot of cases I was that someone else - and I did this mostly as a youth worker in schools, due to how behaviour simply manifests itself in a school - especially during these younger years (kindy through to Grade 5). Please try not to be so hard on yourself (as a Mum) mate, when these times come around - this type of behaviour isn’t as unusual (nor as dreadfully bad) as you might be compelled to think.

You keep doing what your doing - It’d what I’ve often set in place for young people - and above all things - remain flexible AT ALL TIMES lol ;-). Taking time out for you (as you’ve most recently posted) is so very important, and helps maintain some of that balance we need mate - but I think you already know that, so I’ll stop teaching the sucking of eggs eh?! lol I agree with the comments above… your little man seems a switched on little cookie from what you’ve described here - so he must have go that from someone. I come across so many Mum’s that forget the simple fact that most times - this is simple - it’s you!

And I reckon that’s pretty bloody cool! Cheers!!!