I didn't mean to sound so pessimistic, I definitely think there are workable solutions and I appreciate all the ideas. I guess that's what I get for writing the message in fits and starts since this morning- it doesn't sound anything like I meant it to, lol.
I've always been the "mean" mom and I'm not sure when I got confused and started caring whether my kids liked me (and even now, I still don't care all that much, just enough to make me crazy). I think more than anything I need to remember that I don't care if they think I'm mean. My primary job, no matter how smart they are, is to grow functioning adults, not children who think I'm their best friend.
Thanks for the kick in the pants
