I want to live with mom!

[Independent]

My kids mother is not in the picture due to her own actions. Still my son has been really difficult lately and said, "I hate you, I want to live with mom!" What do I do about that?

 

[2andalone]

I haven't heard the 'hate' word yet but I do get questions about mom, who is also not in the picture anymore. I am just as unsure about what to do and no matter how many times I try to explain, she doesn't want to hear it. I have considered seeing a therapist with the kids about it.

 

[ChristopherT]

Why don't you tell them that their mother would probably do the same things you're doing and he'd hate her too? Sounds like a teenager.

 

[2andalone]

In my case I'm dealing with a child much younger than a teenager. She's at the age where she hears the word 'hate' and doesn't quite understand what she's saying because she doesn't know the situation. I can see it being a teenager or a younger child in Independent's case.

 

[benben]

That is such a difficult stage for a parents. It is gut wrenching to hear your child proclaim their hate for you. Hang in there, both of you, hopefully this is a phase that they will grow out of.

 

[Jdrake]

It seems like kids go through the "I Hate You" stage a lot sooner than they used to. My kids are not quite teenagers but they have been through the stage. I hope it means they won't go through it when they are teens.