My DS11 has been trying to explain to me about 'his pride.' But I don't really get it. I'll keep trying though.
OOOOHHHH, got to be careful not to step on 'his pride'! I'm only half-joking, haha. I think that might be more connected with a male coming-of-age trait.
momofonegirl, you said, "as parents, how do we cope?" Answer: send them to the grandparents for a weekend! GS8 ended up staying, but I appreciate one of the other grandparents taking him for a day or two every month. Usually though, I end up babysitting my granddaughters so my daughter can get a break, and I get some time just to dote on them. I definitely needed some alone time today.
I like our old house, drafty windows and all. The internet has been helpful to learn the craftsmanship used to build these old houses, and how to rehab them. Until about 15 years ago we mostly covered up the cracked, flaking plaster on the walls. Since then I learned how to patch or if necessary take the plaster clear off and re-plaster.
