It really feels like my oldest hates me sometimes
After covid lockdown my kids had a really hard time going back to public school to the point we couldn't get them inside the building. I happened to have retired from the military shortly before that so decided to homeschool. It wasn't easy but they really thrived in that kind of learning environment and having those years to bond felt amazing. Over the summer we all decided it's time for them to go back to regular school. Today was my oldest's high school orientation and by the end I was absolutely sobbing.
They're a typical teenager with a matching attitude. Most days are fine but lord when they're stressed the gloves come off. While they have good social skills they don't particularly like to stand out. I, on the other hand, am tall with pink hair and definitely stick out. This obviously bothers them and they really let me know it today. Everything I said or did was a major problem, and they kept asking why their other mom couldn't have gone with them instead (she was at our youngest's orientation). I guess despite the tattoos and piercings she's the normal one. I was told about all the things they don't like about themselves and why couldn't they have just gotten the better genes from her instead.
It was absolutely relentless. When we got home I broke down crying. I spent so much of my life as a wallflower and it took forever to develop the confidence to be different. I fully get that the transition back to public school is stressful and teenage hormones are a mfer but it really freaking hurt. My wife talked to them about everything because I just couldn't.
I guess I'm not really looking for anything by posting this. I just needed to vent.