Single mom of two wonderful children needs help
Greetings to everyone,
My name is Christina and I'm a single mom. I have two wonderful children. My son Eric (13 years old) is the older one and unfortunately he has a mental disability. My daughter Diana is 9 years old. We both live together and unfortunately their dad has passed away (that happened after we got divorced). The past few years my son has been acting in a way that has been very upsetting and frightening for me and especially his sister. I know it's all because of his mental disability and he's such a sweet boy. He would never hurt anyone and he has no ill intent. For example lately he has been taking his clothes off when at home and touching his genitals in front of my daughter. Honestly even though it's very disturbing for me I really don't mind. I'm mostly worried about my daughter. I really don't know what to do. I've had numerous talks with him but communication is very difficult. I'm really out of words here.
@IndigoWhiteDenim
Hello Christina! 🌸
I want to say that your openness in sharing your story really touches me. 💕 Being a single mum and raising two wonderful children, each with unique needs, must be rewarding and challenging. I can only imagine how much love and strength you put into taking care of your son Eric and your daughter Diana.
It's completely understandable that you feel concerned about your daughter's well-being while navigating through the difficulties of your son's mental disability. 🤗 It's evident that you deeply care for both of your children and their happiness.
In 7Cups, we can't give you advice, but you can certainly listen to those who want to share their story and see if there is anything you can take from that to apply to your situation. As always, it's a good idea to reach out to a professional who has experience with such issues so you can get them addressed before it worsens.
Please know that you're not alone in this journey, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed or at a loss for words sometimes. 💛 Remember that you're doing your best, and that's what truly matters.
Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings here anytime, as expressing yourself and finding support can be very healing. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and strength! 🤗💪 Keep being the caring and loving mum that you are. 💕
@IndigoWhiteDenim. Is profession help a possibility?
@adventurousBranch3786. *professional
I'm actually more worried about my daughter and the fact that she has to go through all this. Fortunately my mom has offered to stay with us and help. I don't think my son has any ill intent. I guess he's going through puberty and combined with his mental disability he's too preoccupied with his genitals. This summer has been really hellish. He's only 13 years old yet his genitals have grown to a point that it's difficult not to notice. My daughter has been very upset about it but I'm trying to assure her that she's not in danger. My son can't really think for himself
@IndigoWhiteDenim. I went through a similar situation as a child. I can tell you that it was extremely damaging to me psychologically. I hope that you will be able to find a way that your daughter won’t have to go through this.
@adventurousBranch3786
I would like to thank you for your reply! It really means a lot to me. I appreciate the fact that you shared your own experience. It's my biggest fear right now and I'm trying to avoid any long term consequences.
@IndigoWhiteDenim . I hope that your daughter won’t have to go through the years old nightmares and flashbacks of what she witnessed like I did. It sounds by what you describe that she finds the behaviors disturbing. Looking back it would have been better for me if I could have went to live with another relative if they weren’t able to manage him.
@IndigoWhiteDenim I would consider being strict with my son instead of making my daughter understand something she shouldn't have to
@navyAcai8433
Thank you so much for your reply. I can understand your suggestion but you have to understand that communicating with my son most times doesn't provide any results.
@IndigoWhiteDenim I do understand...... yet I feel there can be scope to be strict with him, because the problem is one day he will do this with others also, and he will grow to be indisciplined. You said this behavior is ok with you, but you are only worried for your daughter. I think you love your son too much to tame him right now. I'm sorry if this was too honest, I am as honest as a young kid but only so such that I can help you and look out for your good. I hope you understand
@navyAcai8433
My dear friend,
I really appreciate your honesty. If there is something that I deeply value when it comes to interpersonal relationships that is honesty. I can understand what you're saying. I'm loving my son almost too much to the point I don't want to discipline him because momentarily he might feel upset. But think you're right. You raised a great point. What if he starts doing it on others? I haven't thought about it but I need to be proactive.
@IndigoWhiteDenim
Hi Christina
I read your post.
You can talk to me on my listener account
My Listener Account: @Shaon07
I will try my best to help you out in this tough time.
