Mom is usually the “socializer” parent and the one who does the homework. She sees Matt’s challenges up close and personal. Mom is worried because he’s not reading well, not taking responsibility and his frustration is becoming unbearable.
Dad doesn’t want to hear it. He says, “When I was his age, I was just like Matt and I turned out OK”. Mom rolls her eyes.
What she doesn’t understand is that dad secretly worries that Matt is just like him, but is afraid to find out that nothing can be done. Dad cares, he’s afraid. He may also feel responsible for the stress that Matt’s feeling.
When mom gets angry, she tells dad it’s all his fault. She can’t get him to agree to anything; dad is stuck. Part of his fear is the unknown.
Be bold, mom. Do some research, present dad with a plan and move forward together.
Claudia
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