Haven't read the other responses. Here's my take. Her overreaction isn't about the tattoo at all. Oh, sure. She can *say* it is. But it's not. It's about lost youth and letting go and admitting her son is all grown up and she can't control him anymore. It's about coming of age and doing your job so well that you've gone and worked yourself out of a job. I feel for her. I really do. She really overreacted and by remaining silent, she may not have said things that she couldn't take back, but her actions speak louder than words. I'm moderately tattooed. I've got 4, with 2 being rather large. My last one, taking up most of my right calf, I got after my dad died. He wouldn't have approved. I remember him seeing my first almost always visible tattoo on my ankle and he was visibly upset but didn't say anything negative. My mom loves them. I got lucky with that. My youngest talks about his first tattoos. I must admit it makes me sad a little bit. All that clean, purdy skin. But, I'm sure he will choose wisely and hopefully ask for my help because I've never overreacted about it. They will be a part of him and an extension of his spirit and personality.

My day starts out with 20 oz of water, sometimes more. 1 can of Diet Coke (which you will pry out of my cold, chemical laden hands) Another 100-140 oz. of water throughout the day. 6 oz. red wine at night * I work PT 3-5 days a week at a labor intensive job, live in the Mojave desert, and work out first thing in the morning. My water intake does go down in the winter months.

Yes, I saved most of the books. I have mine from my childhood and I cherish them. I also save a few favorite toy collections. There are a few reasons. I was sentimental and loved playing with them with my boys. I wanted to keep some around on the off chance I have grandkids near me. And, they may very well be worth money someday. I sold my Strawberry Shortcake collection a few years ago. My parents had saved them for me and I have no daughters. We were out of work and hurting. I made over $250 from those auctions on ebay. I refuse to sell my Fisher Price Little Peoples from the 70's. Those are worth $5-$40 each. EACH! There's no telling what will be popular and what won't in 30 years. But, I chose to save toys that meant something to us as a family and that my boys might enjoy having for their kids or to sell someday. And we have the space to store them (2 rubbermaid tubs).

Thinking of you and hoping the surgery goes smoothly!

My oldest was fine at 10 to be left alone, my youngest doesn't feel ready even at 11. It really depends on the child. Also, check your state requirements. In my state the child just needs to know 2 emergency phone numbers. There is no minimum age.

Oh, no! I was hoping for a good update, too. Sending good thought Mayank's way!

Thank you! I had no idea!

I am so, so sorry.

Agreeing with the above. That's how it's handled in my house. Hey, you forgot xyz, let's go take care of it. I would stress that animals require our care and how important it is for us to remember. I like Sadie's bucket idea for the undies. Maybe with bleach water? That way little man feels better about it? I would be livid about the bookcase! I would have them sand and stain it. And we would have a talk about how disrespectful it was, not only to your "things" but to you.

New school supplies, 1st day pictures in the front yard, a fun breakfast like chocolate chip pancakes. Usually I get them a few fun things, too. I've done coffee travel mugs for hot chocolate or the nice lidded cups with straws, dvds, etc. I usually get them a pack of Pokemon cards because I'm sure to be awarded at least a small smile before school starts. ;)

Chores are done as needed and are not tied to money. Kids are expected to work to keep the house running because they live here and are part of our family. My boys do get an allowance. It started because I wanted an excuse to deny them stuff at the store. :P So, instead of "No, you can't have that," I said, "Yes, you can use your allowance." We determined allowances by multiplying their age by a quarter. So, an 8 year old would get $2 a week, for example. When years are lean, the boys understand that allowances are put on hold. They now receive 50 cents per year they are old because the stuff they buy, like Pokemon cards and video games, tends to be more pricey now. Allowances are paid out once a month, not weekly, unless there is a prior arrangement. And half of the allowance goes into savings. There are a few exceptions made to that rule. My oldest was saving for a new PS4, for example. He had been saving all his money for 8 months and had been doing extra work at other people's houses. He worked and saved really hard. He was $25 away. We made an exception and he skipped a deposit that month and got his new console. :) If they are saving for something big, extra chores can be requested. Usually these chores are garage cleaning, extra yard duty, scrubbing walls, working at Grandma's house, etc.

I would be hurt, too. :(

Nice!!

Movie tickets? There is a place in my area where you can pay x dollars and really use construction equipment in big dirt pit. Any chance of anything like that in your area?

I so get this! My mom was the same way! I was so appreciative and so upset at the same time. Then guilty that I was upset and mad that I felt appreciative. Well, you get it. Instead of more stuff, I bought my kids really cool experiences. Grandma got them stuff, but I got them memories! It's still rough. I'm sorry.

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Great solution! Sounds like you're raising compassionate boys. Good job, Momma!

Big hugs, OP. :( I hope things look up for you. I just read an article on yahoo (I think) about some food pantries now carrying food specifically for people with dietary needs. If not, maybe you can get some staples that other family members might eat and free up some money for the special foods. You've gotten a few helpful suggestions and a lot of judgement. Sorry for the second part. I hope it doesn't stop you from venting because we all need a safe place for that. It is helpful to understand that people live in different places. So an apartment renting for $400 in one place can be $2000 somewhere else and any where in between. Try to understand that people live different lives and don't need to be judged for the hardships they are facing, even if you don't believe their lives to be hard. Walk a mile and all that.

This. And this. And this. My heart hurts that this kid would be excluded because he says weird things sometimes or acts weird sometimes. Isn't that true of all 13 year olds? Even the "cool" ones? Maybe I'm internalizing because I was that kid that was excluded for being weird. And my son is weird. I'm really trying to be nice and respectful. So, I'm going to be quiet now and leave it at that.

We held a party in our garage once. ;) I vote for tarp or pop-up awning. Ask around and see if you can borrow a few.

My oldest was 8, youngest 5 when I started letting them play out front alone. I live on a small cul-de-sac. I usually left the door slightly open so I could hear them though.

I am in the anti-circ group. My dh and I were on the same page. There haven't been any problems.

The new "Naked" shows: Naked and Alone, Naked Dating.... Dumb. And uncomfortable. And more dumb.

I'll be 49ish. I've thought about making my small business into a bigger one, but really I want to work in a library.

Scott Westerfeld had several series, all good. Peeps is a weird take on vampires, Midnighters, Uglies. Cassandra Claire's The Mortal Instruments. (Steampunk) Matched series by Ally Condie Pendragon series by D J McHale Another vote for the Pure series by Baggott (the last book was awesome!) The Testing series by Charbonneau Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr Ashes series by Ilsa Bick