Additional Coverage:
- When my son was arrested, I took a step back and let him face the consequences. It was a turning point for both of us. (businessinsider.com)
A local mother reflects on a difficult time when her son, Johnathan, was arrested in high school. She was struggling with the grief of losing both parents and admits she wasn’t fully present for her son.
The arrest forced her to confront her own struggles and decide how best to support him. While her instinct was to “fix” the situation, she realized she had no control over the legal system.
With the guidance of her therapist, she chose a different path. She decided to let Johnathan face the consequences of his actions while offering emotional support. This was a significant turning point in her journey with codependency.
She wrote Johnathan a heartfelt letter expressing her love and reminding him of his strengths. She encouraged him to rely on his faith and assured him of her unwavering support.
This approach, she believes, was crucial for both of them. It fostered their already strong communication skills and allowed Johnathan to take responsibility. He addressed the legal issues directly, and she learned a valuable lesson about parental love and letting go.
Today, Johnathan is thriving, and his mother sees this experience as a testament to the power of setting healthy boundaries and supporting children through their mistakes.