I told you so!

Found Austin curled into the fetal position crying.  At first I thought it had to do with his Mom, but then found out he screwed up big time.  For weeks I've been bugging him to finish an application to get a full ride to an Ivy League college.  Today being the last day, he finally finished it and then went to submit it online.  There was a fly in the ointment, he had to get 2 recommendations from his teachers.  It is now Friday evening at 8 PM, can't do it. So he just blew a good chance to get college money.  I can't yell at him and tell him "I told you so!"  He was already so hard on himself.  Told him he needed to think what lesson he learned from this and then discussed it.

Part of my personality is finding the good when the shit hits the fan.  Well here's my thoughts...If he can't be responsible enough to get an application in then perhaps, he needs to go to college closer where I can still mother and support him.  If he did go to a college like Columbia in NYC would he not succeed just because he's too immature.  He's very intelligent, but not as mature as he presents himself.  Maybe this small failure is good for him, to teach him a lesson in procrastination.  Now he'll have to work harder to get scholarships to go to school, which could be another lesson he needs to learn.

Am I disappointed, yes I am!  I want him to be self motivated and self confident, but I also want to support him all I can.  From past experience, I know you have to let your kids hit the speed bumps, but it's a difficult balance between supporting them when needed and letting them have to experience the consequences in life.  And I thought I was finished with raising kids.  Boy! Was I wrong! 

Dear God, please guide me in knowing the right path to take as I help Austin into manhood.