Expert: David Simonsen - 3/26/2009

Question
I have been dealing with the silent treatment from my so, for 15 years, we have 2 children together a daughter 13 and a son 12, when he decides to give me the silent treatment he also ignores our 12 year old son and shows favoritism towards our daughter this last until i somehow try to speak to him and that ends up in a fight but then i bend backwards and always make thing right then hes ok again for about a month, my question is these silent treatments last for months at a time ans i know my son is feeling it more and more, what type of help could you suggest for me to get my 12 year old son through this pain, i believe when he grows up he will surely have some problems, i am trying to ride this through and let the relationship end, but my main concern is my children.

Answer
Mary,
You are right that this is going to cause some issues for your son. I would suggest that you seek out a competent therapist. If your husband is not willing to go then you should go to get some ideas on how to best approach your husband. He may have some mental illness that is going untreated. In talking with your therapist they may give you some things to look for in his behavior.
David
www.help4life.net