I got to "meet" his mom last night, I spoke to her for 1/2 an hour or so, mostly about the little brother, who I'm to be strict with too apparantly. A little about me too, I told her a few of my experiences that have parallels with what's going on with Mikey.

It truly sounds like he's a good kid, he's just really unhappy and mad at the world, and because he's young he's not come across the realization that yes, life is hard, but you won't do anyone any good by being bitter about it, you've just got to get on with it. So I guess our task (should we choose to accept it) is to give him a kick in the ass, but overall a positive outlook. Hrm. Kick him in the butt while smiling and singing cheerful tunes?

Who knows, it might just work...