This Saturday DH and I had planned to take the kids to the aquarium, which we thought was foolproof but of course sourpuss (SS11) had to ruin it.

We’ve been trying to come up with activities and outings to do with both a preteen (SS11) and our little kids (DD3 and DS 8mos). Lately DH and I have been focusing on trying to deal with SS11 and the little ones were getting left out. The aquarium seemed like a great idea. DD3 loves animals and was really looking forward to the trip. Earlier this week I had gotten some library books on fish and sea animals for her and she’s been talking non-stop about turtles and sharks.

I wish we hadn’t even taken SS. He was already sulking as we were getting ready to leave. Once we pulled into the aquarium’s parking lot, SS said his head hurt and he wanted us to leave him in the car.

SS constantly complains that his head hurts, his stomach hurts or vague “I don’t feel good”. The antidepressant he’s on does have headaches and stomach problems as possible side effects. But this all started before started taking it and the doctor said the side effects should wear off.

We tried to get him to take an Advil and to go inside and sit down. But he still wouldn’t get out of the car and started crying. Meanwhile, DD was all excited and wanted to get going.

DH decided that we should just go home since it was embarrassing that his son was acting like that with other families walking by in the parking lot and even if he physically dragged him out of the car, his behavior was going to continue to be embarrassing.

We told DD we would go back tomorrow. This time, SS isn’t coming. I want a day away from him and not have to deal with all his issues. He wants to do is stay in his room all day and he never wants to participate in family activities. That’s fine with me.