Our home has been dominated by a 17-year-old overachieving, insensitive know-it-all, our son. He has never done anything immoral or fattening, and we count our blessings that he is a straight A student, active volunteer and all around great guy in the public eye.
Lately, he's been actively trying our patience and after a particularly awful 24 hours of interaction with him and his college advisor, my husband and I both felt like we had been rubbed against a cheese grater for days. After we had a calm in the storm, I sent the following email to my husband:
I want you to know that I think you are a spectacular father. I know it's hard for you to believe that when you have a child who is constantly telling you that you aren't, but you truly are! You're the kind of father I wanted for my children and the man that I was hoping I would marry when I was a young woman. You have tried your best and that's all I ever hoped for. I'm proud of you. Love, me.
My husband felt really appreciated. Long after our son is off at college, my husband and I will still have each other. I hope you will remind your listeners that they need to offer praise and gratitude to their spouses especially when their teen children are at their most trying.
Jeanne
