[alm15]

My 9 yr old daughter said she wanted to run away today. She's never said that before. She said a couple of valid things about what I was doing that was causing her to feel that way. I'm really trying to be a good parent. I'm a single parent with little support. I don't know...I'm so angry with myself that I want to hurt myself. I haven't hurt myself for a really long time so I'm trying really hard to not pick up a knife.

[Rapunzel]

It's fairly normal for kids at that age to go through a stage where they want to run away. Some go as far as running off to a friends house and hiding there for a few hours. That's the age where they start to value their friends more than they value their parents. It's not easy for the parents, especially since none of us are perfect, and some of the complaints made are going to hit home. Be open with her and talk about her needs and your attempt to be the best mom that you can, although you know that you aren't perfect. Be patient with her and ask her to also be patient with you. We are all human, parents and kids alike.

Picking up a knife won't help either of you, and I sense that you know that. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. All you have to do is your best, and it will turn out okay. You love your daughter, otherwise it wouldn't hurt you so much that she says these things. Concentrate on that.

<font color=orange>"If we are going to insist that people pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, we must ensure that they have boots."</font color=orange>

[alm15]

Thank you both so much! I do love her. She's an incredable child. Thank you for your support! Annie