Julie Potischman's Page

Hi Julie,

I'm hoping you can help me with a life transition. I got pregnant when I was unmarried, age 25. I decided to put my nose to the grindstone and do my best-I'd always wanted to be a mom. I had a little boy, B, remarried when he was 2, and went on to have two girls as well. The kids are 16, 12, and 8 now.

They are all really bright. B. in particular threw me for a loop when at the Kindergarten entrance testing the school told me he was reading on a 5th grade level. The kids' high level of giftedness has kept me busy over the years making sure their educational environment is appropriate for them. Just before B's 8th grade year, we even moved to a big city from the small town I considered home in order to give the kids better opportunities.

For B, it's worked. He skipped two grades when he was younger and has had a very successful high school career. He'll graduate at 16 this spring. He wants to go to college 2000 mi. away next fall so that he can be closer to his biological father, who he's seen 2-3 times a year growing up.

Yesterday, he got his first college acceptance letter to one of those colleges. It really hit me that he'll probably be leaving this fall. I have focused my life almost entirely on meeting my kids' needs. I work only very part-time from home. Also, I love being his mom and don't feel ready for him to go and my job as I know it to be over!

As it happens, I also found out yesterday that he has stopped physically growing. It came out as a side note at an orthopedists' appointment we'd made for some minor back problems he's been having. He's always been a picky eater, and I've focused a lot of energy on providing healthy food for him--now that job is suddenly over. Turns out he ended up on the short side for his genetic potential, too, so now even though I know I did the best I could I feel a little guilty.

All my friends have younger kids so I don't know anyone who's btdt to help me through this.

Thanks,
Amy

Julie,
I just check my email. I thought since I didn't hear from you something must be wrong. I will talk to you soon. carla

Thank you, that shows great. I will talk to you tommorrown. Carla

Julie,

That time works for me. I look forward to hearing from you. Do you prefer by phone or email, your choice. My cell # is 909-810-0220. I will be waiting for your call or let me know if you prefer the email. I am on MSN and yahoo chats. I can't seem to figure out the chat for this website. I can never get onto the chat room. Thank you so much for taking the time out in you life to speak with me. Carla

Julie,
I forgot to tell you on thing. Your kids are so beautiful. I love your profile picture.
Talk to you soon,
Carla

Hi Julie,
Thank you for replying. I would like to set-up a time we could talk. Let me know what is a good time for you. Mornings are good for me. Yes, Julie I have 8 children, the ages are 23,22,20,18,17,14,12,11,. I am looking forward to talking to you. Please let me know. I live in California, so I would be on Pacific standard time. Let me know I am available tommrow in the morning or afternoon. Thank you again Julie.

Hi Julie,
My name is Carla. I am new to this community. I am so happy I joined. It's my understanding that you provide some advice to women who are having some diffculties sorting things out in there life. Well, Julie this happens to be me. I am so stressed out. I am a middle aged woman, single ( 8 children) and have been divorced for almost 12 years. I haven't dated at all since I divorced 12 years ago. I also feel like my life is standing still. I feel I haven't accomplished anything in my life. I don't have the college degree. I am still in the same income level. I still have to pay that I can afford to get my kids the clothes they need to keep them warm for the winter months. I work my #@#@# off to find out that I am not making enough to buy the things my children need. I know that I am the sole provider for my family. My Ex pays his child support, but it is very little. Julie, I just want you to be aware that this is not about money. I know I have to work really hard to get what my family needs. The problem is, I settle for less. I have been conditioned to think I don't deserve better, so my kids are suffering. I need to find out why I do this to myself. Is it because I fear success? or maybe I don't think I can do better. I do know this, my self-esteem is not where I want it to be. I think I wrote too much, so I better let you go for now. I just wanted to let you know. I really could use some advice. Thank you so much Julie! Talk to you soon. Carla

Hi Julie,

I hope you have a few minutes to help guide me. I am so stressed out, I feel like packing it in. I have been to the doctor and am working on a treatment plan. In the meantime, I am having so many struggles with myself, my children and my husband. I have been taking antidepressants, sleeping medication, and anti anxiety medication. I still find myself going over the egde constantly. Do you have any suggestions for me, Lord knows I can't afford to be hospitalized for a nervous breakdown. My husband wouldn't be able to handle the workload...lol Please, some advice if you can find the time. Thanks. Alison

hi julie!!! i was just introduced to this website and was so excited to see your picture!!! it is so amazing to see that you really pursued your passion for psychology.
how are you? you look amazing and your girls are precious. i also have 2 girls, ages 10 and 12. scary!!!!
i would love to hear from you and try to catch up! hope all is well.
love-allison (saunders) di staulo (remember john paul?) lol.
afd70@optonline.net
201.227.0765