It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

adouglasmhor wrote: »

Used to do something similar on exercise in Germany, detergent and water in a drum in the back of my waggon, then dry them on my cam nets at night.

I always wondered how stuff got cleaned on 'active'. My military experience extends only to the Corps at school, so it was my long suffering mother that did all the washing! I had to do the ironing though as military standard was too much to ask her for...

On the subject of the lady with the teenage daughter, it's worth remembering that in a family crisis, it can be helpful to get other less close family members on board if possible. My family's been through a few rough patches recently and my brother - in - law was incredibly helpful because he had sufficient 'distance' to sort out the problem yet was still trustworthy, if that makes sense. Sometimes it can all get a bit too claustrophic in family matters and an 'outsider' can be a great benefit.

MOrning all, yesterday was obviously very quiet on here, I have spent two days in hospital with DS10, and expected that there would be pages to catch up on. Well my week has definately got worse, having the two days in hospital had been absolutely exhausting as I had no sleep whatsoever, and now feel like the living dead!
The other effect has been that DH had to take another day off work and after having Monday off too, we will only receive half a weeks wages next week. Its the big week when all the bills hit inc rent and I am unsure how we are going to pay them all.
Having got ourselves on a level with our finances I realise how precarious our financial situation still is, which has hit me quite hard.

recovering spendaholic When my son was a teenager he thought nothing of using the phone and for months I had a bill of between £200 and £300 before I put a stop on him using it. When he started work, although his older sisters had always paid their way, he acted as though the world owed him and probably paid me some keep perhaps two or three times in as many years. He was aggressive, beligerent, I admit I was a little scared of him and he caused me a lot of anxiety and stress. One evening we had yet another argument about his behaviour and he stood up and over me in a threatening way...I had no choice but to call the police. The kindly policeman talked to us both, and my son left to go and stay with his sister. A few weeks later he and his then gf moved in together. It was the best thing that ever happened, he grew up overnight, accepted his responsibilities, paid his bills, changed into a respectable citizen.

Now five years later he has come back to stay with me during the week as he's been temporarily seconded to this area. It's an absolute joy to have this young man in my home, he's helpful, turning his hand to all sorts of odd jobs for me, assists with shopping, the garden, helps me to sort out problems/paperwork, and pays me more than I asked him for, every month on the dot.

It was a drastic thing to do but not one of my family or friends turned away from me and he says it's the best thing I ever did for him. For a while it was horrible, I thought he'd never speak to me again and resent me completely. Surprisingly it wasn't like that at all, today we're great friends and thoroughly enjoy each others company.

I can only say how it was for me. I wish you the strength to do whatever you think is the right way, but you have to do something. Please don't be afraid or let your daughter pull you down any more, you have a life of your own and you deserve to enjoy it so much more than having to put up with the treatment you're receiving. The power is all yours, she needs a short, sharp shock which she'll appreciate one day, although she won't think so at first. Good luck and God bless
Sparrer