Dr. Meg,
I trust you can give me advice. I have a 9-year-old son – his father and I divorced in 2010. His father was diagnosed as a Narcissist and does not have nice things to say about me when he has our son alternate weekends and holidays (my son tells me everything). The problem I’m having is that my son treats me with disrespect and speaks to me like a disrespectful adult would talk to another adult. It angers me so much and is one of the main reasons I yell at my son. I don’t know how to deal with this situation. A few months ago, my ex tried to punch me in front of our son, which shocked both my son and myself, and it also fuels my belief that he has nothing positive to say about me while our son is with him. I don’t want to stop him from seeing his dad, as children need both parents in their lives. I have no doubt that my ex loves our son dearly. Please help me. Some days I want to sit in a heap and cry my eyes out from frustration and sadness. I’m not that young anymore so my patience is not as it used to be and menopause is also part of my life now – I’m 54.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
At A Loss