Barncats in Ellensburg

When I wrote the last post I failed to mention that every time things seem to be going well in my life I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. While I realize things can't be great all the time, I was hoping it would last. The blessings haven't changed but I guess my attitude has. Don't get me wrong, I'm still fully grateful for all I'm given on a daily basis. What I'm getting at is this: I was really hoping that the beginning of the school year would be different this time. I hoped I wouldn't have to fight Brayden to get him to go to school, but alas we're back to more of the same. He's 17, thinks he's invincible and that he knows everything- just like every other 17-year old. I always feel like I'm balancing on this high-wire when it comes to him, not knowing how to get across. On one hand he's a big boy and should be responsible for his actions (or lack of). On the other hand he makes bad decisions and there need to be immediate consequences. If I wait for the natural consequences to catch up with him it'll more than likely be too late. Like not going to school = not graduating. This is the natural consequence, but if I just allow that to happen then I feel like I'm setting him up to fail. I just don't know the answer. Do I stop pushing and let him fail, or do I act the dutiful mother part and drag him to graduation by the noose around his neck?