I want to strangle my kid. (No, not really strangle.. but a payback is in order!)

This post was meant to be taken in a light hearted manner... boy, did it take some dark turns.
While I may not agree with some of the viewpoints expressed, I think they were made with the best of intentions: to help me... And I do appreciate that.
Even though I may not agree, they have given me food for thought.

You guys that grew up abused... those are heart wrenching. I can't imagine growing up that way. It gives me hope, by hearing your stories that you recognize how messed up that is, and break that cycle.

I'd like to comment on a few points:

My boy is not some out of control monster.
He does dumb things from time to time, like all kids do.
This last winter, his schedule: I roll him out of bed at 5:15. He's off to school by 7:20. Gets out of school, head to the hockey rink (usually with a gaggle of younger kids in his car that don't have licenses yet) for 2 hours of practice. Showers at the rink, throws on his work clothes, and off to work until 10 or so. Comes home, grabs a bite, crashes out. Do it again the next day.
He missed his first hockey practice and game, in 10 years of playing this last year. And that was because we wouldn't let him go with a 102 temp. he plays hurt, he plays sick, by his own choice.
He also keeps his grades... no, he's not an 'A student'. I don't put much stock in grades..but he knows he needs to graduate, and he's on track.

He has his issues to deal with. And we deal with, and help him with those. He's come a long, long way.

I'm proud of this kid.
And I love him dearly.
And he knows that.

As far as me not 'sticking up' for my wife, she made it plain long ago that she does NOT appreciate that. I tried a few times and wound up with a redheaded wife more pissed at me than at him. That's not a fun place to be.. and I understand why she feels that way, and respect that.

To the whole 'honey-do list' thing: No, my wife does not make me out a chore list like I'm a fourth-grader. I call it a 'honey-do list' in fun. Usually, there is no physical list... other than in my head. Sometimes, I do write the stuff out I'm going to do that day, and leave it on the table, just so the wife knows why there's all that noise in the basement, or why there's no hot water. When I do that, she clears the way out for me ahead of time.. like pulling out all of the stuff under the sink yesterday, having towels ready, etc.

95% of the time, our house is filled with laughter. It's great.. we're doing good. Money could be better, but who can't say that?

Now, where did I leave my old baseball bat?

Again, I appreciate all of your posts.
Thank you all :)