Stonewalling

I was practicing a workshop which included a section on conflict.  So, when our family dinner erupted into an excellent example of conflict, it seemed appropriate.  Lotta really felt like she NEEDED to show Agogo something on the internet, and she once again expressed her dissatisfaction with having the internet shut off at 6 pm as an unnecessary infringement on her personal freedom.  She left the dining room table, moving her food into the kitchen.  I suggested that we could go back to having a cut off time for the devices, which have become a free-for-all throughout the day.  (Before there was a 45 minute maximum on the tablet, because we actually had other things we did in our lives.)  Then, Lotta accompanied Thom to drive my mom home.  When Lotta returned, she ran in, gave me a long hug, and said in a small voice, "I am just unhappy."  And I said, "I know".  So challenging to figure out what to do with all the big feelings swirling around inside her--hormones of course, but also just disappointment, frustration, anger, loneliness at not seeing friends.  Not leaving the house for days or even weeks on end.  The general unending quality of this time.  It is a LOT for a 10-year-old to take.  I am glad she could tell me, I hope she can continue to tell me.