[Pilgrim]

Hi
Just wanted to touch base.  My 16 year old teenage daughter’s 1st love is being horribly attached by her once lifelong friend. My 19 year old son with his 1st love has had the father make some awful aspirations about him. My children our decent, genuine, caring people and I feel so powerless to stop the cruel ness of others from affecting them. I feel I have failed them - I’m an Irish mother, i’m Not allowed to let this happen. I’m not allowed to fail - but I am, I have. 

[Blueberry]

I'm sorry for all the problems you and your children are going through right now.

[Rainagain]

That sounds tough on everyone, I hope things settle down for all of you soon.
Remember to look after yourself as well as supporting everyone else.

[Dee]

How are your children doing with it?  The fact that they share their life with you shows that they feel you are a good mother.  Things happen, we cannot protect them from that.  It is what happens after that counts.

[Three Roses]

As a mother myself, I can relate. But in my opinion it's not our Job to protect them from everything - They would never nature and grow. It is our job to give them a soft place to fall, a warm and safe place to rest and regroup. A shoulder to cry on  - sometimes just listening is the best thing and what they need most.

[sanmagic7]

that's just how i felt the first time my daughter attempted suicide - like i failed my duty as a mother to protect her.  it's a horrible feeling.  i've come to realize, with time, that we can't protect them from everything.  they need to learn how to take care of themselves when those awful 'others' show up occasionally.

your support for them, being there for them, teaching them how to turn away  from abuse - all these things, including your feelings about what's going on speak to what a good mom you really are.  the 'not good' moms wouldn't care.  big hug.