Consider taking a teen-parenting course. Look for one taught by someone with experience in child development, or who has spent time counseling teens. Expect to learn from the instructor and other parents facing similar challenges. Criticism and excessive punishment, including words that belittle, can hurt a teen's self-esteem, thereby increasing rebellious behavior.
Teach your teen that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. Give your child increasing responsibility for his or her well-being and that of the family. Include your child in discussions involving setting rules and establishing consequences for breaking them. This will increase the chance your teen will respect his or her boundaries most of the time.
The most difficult thing about monitoring a teen is maintaining the balance between too much and too little control. Good parenting requires that you set firm limits when it would be easier to let things slide. Help your child move toward independence. Parents who encourage independent thought and expression in their children often find their children have a healthy sense of self and an enhanced ability to resist peer pressure. Spend quality and quantity time with your child. Teens begin to pull away from their families and spend more time with friends. But if you feel that he has things to say but just cannot seem to do it, I would have an open conversation about that.
Ask if he would like help figuring out how to open up more. Usually I would just suggest returning to conversations enough that when he is ready, he might just one day open up more.
Reader Interactions
Of course if you have a serious concern you might consider getting counseling or talking to a professional. Some deeper issues are hard to get to and therapists or counselors can be super helpful. All the best to you and let me know how things go, ok? Hello Monica, Thank you for getting back to me, I really appreciate that!
Samuel is one a kind! But we have not had him do that on a regular basis. I guess it is easy for me to forget that maybe he just needs time to process things. Is this something I might need to encourage him to do even when he gets to be 14 years old and so on? I will ask him if he would like for us to help him figure out how to open to us. Growing up in my home, I am the oldest of my sisters and we are three girls! My parents wanted to have a boy, so they got three girls instead.
I have contacted the Youth Pastor at our church to connect him with a mentor. Thank you so much, I always enjoy reading your posts, they are very good! Will keep in touch! Take them out for a bike ride, roller blade or do whatever physical activity they like to do.
They will begin to talk during this time. Just wanted to say that your advice is on point. I, too, have a teenage son that is very in tune with world happenings and he always seemed to focus on the negative. It has been a long road. But most importantly, we had to understand that he was talking to us about the world to maybe make sense if it in his own head. Let him talk to you. He is probably very opinionated about it but let him get it out. You can insert in areas that you need to but he will appreciate that you placed importance on what he is saying.
As time goes on, he will learn to also listen to your point of view and why things are not as negative as a teacher, media, etc would have him think. It is slightly painful to listen to but it has helped us grow closer and opened his eyes to other points of view. This was an Amazing piece. I can appreciate your words of experience and can relate. Thank you for sharing and confirming I may be on the right path ;.
I told you i was moving out because my boyfriend wants to sleep over everyday of the week because he is at age but he is not aloud. I love your writing. I so am needing to hear these words. Other good friends are being pushed aside for this one. He is a good boy ha 14 Yrs old and we have always been so close. He does have a wonderful church backing and activities there are so wonderful. You can talk about balance and the importance of keeping perspective with friendships and always staying close to family.
He may or may not show that he gets it, but in time I think he will. Keep up the great work! And I promise—your son will always need you! Thank you for your positivity and for including your faith in a graceful way! My oldest son just turned My youngest son will be 13 in May. Give yourself some credit and try to just enjoy this time. The fact that you landed on this blog post shows that you are genuinely trying, and that is more than most parents out there! Thank you this means so much for me, I have 3 boys and sometimes I feel desperate. They are 6, 2 an 1 year olds.
Hang in there and keep smiling and parenting well and the good days will be ahead! We are Christians too and that can make these years easier and harder at the same time. Two years ago, he was on fire for God and asked to be baptized by our youth pastor…. My sister has raised her kids in church every time the doors are open, Christian school….
Hard to know when to give them space and when to get nosy. Been doin a lot of that! I suggest you take him for a walk or do something that involves movement and less eye contact…that often allows a boy to open up more. Hang in there momma! Hope you stick around and keep me posted. Thank you for strengthening my reins. No one should have to do this job alone, do you are my partner now. God bless are babies. He is so mean to me and mad all the time. I am trying to do your 10 things, but most of the time in ends in my tears and him yelling!
I need a miracle and healing for my boy! So sorry for where you are with your son. I encourage you to seek help — find a counselor or someone you trust to talk to. Perhaps you are too close to the situation to see clearly…Hang in there and do not give up! Thanks Monica for the advice. I too am a Christian and try really hard to rear my boys in a manner fitting as such.
I failed miserably as the boys got older taking them regularly to church after I was divorced. I feel I am going to blink my eyes and they will both be gone tomorrow. One issue I need help with right now is, my 19 yr old has a major cursing problem. He knows it offends me terribly and I constantly remind him not to do it around me. Do you have any advice for me? I enjoyed reading your article and will try to remember what youve said but its hard. I have twin boys that are 16 now. One has aditude with me and the other doesnt.
Ive found myself not wanting to interact with the one with the aditude. I feel like its the same thing. I am sorry, and I know every kid is different and having twins is probably a great way to prove it! If it makes you not want to interact with him, then it likely has crossed the line. I encourage you to address it and not tolerate disrespect or bad attitude. Set a standard for him to rise up to and he will likely do it. Much aloha, and all the best to you!!
I have a 15 year old son, and some of his friends have just got their drivers license. I loved your part about boundaries, but also freedom. Just a caring, attentive one. So please give yourself a break…. What a valuable post! Like you, I have four sons and we threw in a daughter for good measure.
Unlike you my sons are now grown men, ranging in age from 31 to I heartily agree with these eleven guidelines and as I read, felt proud that I adhered to most of them. Today I reap the rewards and my sons fill me with pride as I watch them parenting their own kids. Oh that makes my heart so happy to hear!! Thank you Rita for sharing! I love hearing from those of you who have gone before me, and come out alive and well and proud of the boys you raised!
I really like this article. It sounds so easy written down, but I have made many mistakes already and feel it mite be too late for my son to know how much I really care about him, how I want him to be open, to talk to me if he needs to. I have given him a lot of freedom already. To let him know I trust in him. I do get involved in his passions. I only returned to my faith two years ago, so I did not raise him in the catholic church which I regret deeply. I am a single mother who can get overwhelmed easily. Stress and anxiety are my two best friends.
I want to do a good job raising my son, so he can be a great man in the world. You give great advice and I love that you are a believer. My husband and I have just gotten custody of our 13 year old nephew. He comes from a place of no boundaries, no rules. So we are struggling with how much to reel him in. He plays video games all the time. How do we set boundaries for a kid that has had none? I could not have read this post at a more perfect time! It has really bothered me and frustrated me, I have prayed hard. There are moments he is still that little boy who hugs me and wants his mommy then there is that teenager who wants to do what he wants to do and I have 3 other children and sometimes its hard to keep the patience and understanding of what he needs….
I need to really make more effort to reach out more to him on a personal level instead of all of them together so he knows I still see him as an individual. Oh thank you Rena—So glad you shared that, and so happy to have you here! Much aloha and please keep in touch! Many times along the way I have wondered where I went wrong. I have 2 daughters with my son son in the middle.
I have a wonderful bond with each of then, but there is something extra special about the bond between mother and son. He is joy bringer, a rock, my advocate, my shoulder to cry on. I believe that he has been able to be those for me because I have been those things for him. He comes to me when he needs advice, guidance, or just to vent. He is 18 now, and is heading into the Marines to start his own life I am so proud of him.
And it feels so good to read this article and be affirmed that I have been the mother he has needed. Acknowledging dads in the post script only seems more dismissive and divisive than eliminating them entirely from the article. Anything and everything written from what parenting skills momma should provide applies equally to what dad should, can, and does provide. Dads can provide emotional support as well as moms stereotypically. Dads can provide all the things on this list, as it happens. Open this up to what parents can do to sort their children thru teenage years, not just moms, and the article reads more cohesively.
I need this forum! My twin boys will be 13 this Sunday. They are so different. I need all the advice I can get to raise them to become moral men. Oh so glad you found this place then, Marie! I loved your words of wisdom! Lots of boundaries even if they think I suck! Lots of encouragement to try new things, be respectful and kind to all people. Lots of encouragement to follow their sporting goals I am their biggest fan and to always strive to do their best.
Oh and lots of food! You also need to make talk time a no boundaries, free pass so they WILL talk. They also need to know that you trust them and that you are sitting on the sidelines, ready to step in when they want or need you to intervene. My boys are now 18 and 16, they still talk to me about anything and everything. This article is great. I would like to add Having an open door policy. Sometimes it would be to read or sit in silence and sometimes I knew something was feeling off in my home. I would say I was going to be in my room for a bit if anyone needed me before super.
More times then not someone would come to talk about stuff. Others just needed a one on one moment without a sibling to sit, snuggle, or hang. Many times super was late cause we would be goofing in my space, wrestling, cracking jokes and being silly. These were some of my favourite times. I raised 6 amazing adults.
I love this Rhondi! Thank you so much for sharing that! I only have boys as well, one will be turning 16 and the other is I am glad to see that I am not the only one who does these 11 things. We too are careful of what we watch and no swear words at our house either. I was raised on these 11 principals as well as others from the Bible. My Mom taught me how important these things are like being a good example and guidance etc.
My boys are a gift from God and I have been truly blessed. I am a single mom and my son lives with my father. My parents have given him everything, sent him to private schools so on. Have I lost him forever? I really appreciate your valuable and thoughtful advice. I am having a difficult time as my boys are so in to sports and I am not the biggest sports fan. My husband shares the love of sports with my boys and I do enjoy watching sports IF my sons are participates in them ages 14 and Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Good boys make good men who help make a good world.
I am a christian. I am a single mother. I like to find things to do with him. He likes them video games. He spends to much on them. I so needed to read this. Very helpful even for this veteran mom of a daughter, but so naive to this man child I am raising. Thank you very much for your advice!! This is totally true and very helpful. Sometimes we need a little hand and this is just the great advice. My son just turned 14 and and is a type 1 diabetic, going through those mood swings and we have to be the strong ones. Love them no matter what!
My teenage boy dont listen me and misbehaving with me.. I treat him as you say above…he sometimes hit me if I force him for anything.. Kajal—That does not sound good at all…No son should hit his mother. I wish I could help more from a distance, but I cannot help in the way you need.
Find a counselor to talk to—I really think you and your son both need the support. All the best to you and do not accept this as normal…There is hope things can change but you must seek it out. Much aloha to you-. I whole heartedly agree with this. My teenage boys are amazing. One thing I struggle with though are my 2 teenage step sons. What are some things I can do to get them to open up and trust Me? Especially the one who resents me. This is how we my husband and I react to all of our kids, since birth, because we never received this. This was so good to read.
So far I have two teenage sons with three more to come. I only had sisters growing up — boys still feel like somewhat of a mystery to me. I loved everything you said. Sometimes we forget to do some of those things. Live in the now with your family. Make time to just hang out. Hi Monica, thank you for sharing such a wonderful article on a very much needed subject for me. My elder son is turning 12 yr old next week , I can already see him changing since few months in lot of different ways. My son just turned 17 and I feel I ha e failed.. He will not be graduating on time next year.. He never ever follows through with anything.
Ok i have a very serious question for this type of parenting. I have 3 boys and 1 girl my oldest just turn 14 on the april and my youngest son is going to 5 on july 2. I was not really around when they were younger.. Stupid reasons on my part. Ok my question is this how do i act towards my oldest due to the fact of him bieng molested by his grandpa on his dads side..
Now hes mad at everyone but the person he should be mad at. Ive already got justice for this man.. Even after that hes still very defient and i really dont know what to do.. I am very open for any type of advice or positive critisim on how to react to his anger issues ive offered counsling but he denies it says he doesnt need it..
Im so confused please help me out. Want talk to me short with me.. Hi Atiska — Sorry for your struggle. It is hard when you have to divide up the time with your boys…it means you must be creative and really use the time you have. Perhaps you can do something fun that they really enjoy and then ask them for twenty minutes to just connect and talk together.
Let them know you love them and care about them and ask some good questions not interrogating but lovingly and just reach out to connect. Keep talking to them, keep praying for them. In time they will see your consistent love and support. Good words, even for mothers of girls — some other, more specific needs for girls, but generally, spot on… Thanks for your time and recommendations!
Thank you so much Leslie…Glad it all applies to girls too. Much aloha for taking time to comment and all the best to you! Thank you for sharing. In fact, I have the opposite… A toddler boy. I read your post anyway because I am a little curious about the future. Gotta say this guide is as applicable to a tot! From boundaries to showing interest to expressing forgiveness and laughing a lot! End of the day it is all about growing together at every stage!
Thank you for sharing!! Thank you Kathleen for commenting. You do a great job. My husband and I have 5 kids. If we were to take our family to Hawaii, which island would you pick? The boys would love to try surf lessons. We love coffee-maybe visiting a coffee plantation would be nice for my husband. He roasts his own beans when he has time. Again, no pressure to answer. Thank you so much, and of course I have time to answer! The hard thing is all of the islands are amazing. Most families seem to be drawn to Maui, and I am also a big fan. If you have friends who have spent time in Hawaii and who know your family well, I would definitely ask around.
- The Botanical Magazine, Vol. 5 Or, Flower-Garden Displayed.
- Finding a balance.
- Primary Sidebar.
- Supportive parenting and teenagers?
- Supportive parenting and teenagers - ReachOut Parents.
- The Four White Days.
But the bottom line is: Much Aloha and keep me posted!! Thank you for sharing xx. I Really enjoyed reading this I have a year-old boy, My only child,seems like just yesterday he was 2, he is fortunate to have a great dad,when he was younger it seems he and I spent all of our time together and lately I just have a really hard time getting him to open up to me. Your article was very helpful.
He passed away 3 months ago at our home? I cannot get him to talk to me at all about my dad? Even when we were telling funny stories and happy memories he walks out of the room he seems to be very isolated lately? And he is just 14 so on top of everything I just want to handle things right! I being a teenager is very confusing on top of everything else! Time passes by so fast. Thank you for taking the time to comment, and I am so sorry that your heart hurts.
I am proud of you for wanting to learn about relationships and I am sure one day you will be a great mom. I really encourage you to just talk to her about how you feel. Tell her how much you love her but about your feelings too. Ask her specifically for some time together. Try to reach out to her more. Meanwhile, you can know that God loves you and you can talk to Him anytime. I pray that you will grow up strong and make good choices. You have the whole world ahead of you! But, this can be a challenge for me to understand what he is dealing with in his personal life.
So I tried a method of communicating that my girlfiends and I used in highschool. Easier AND how awesome to go back and read the chronologies of our social lives!! I started it with my 13 year old son. I wrote a short sweet, note explaining the purpose of the notebook. Low and behold, he wrote back. Almost immediately we were discussing personal heart issues.
Hope someone else finds this to be an open door for them and their son. I love that Debbie! I might just try that with one of my boys in particular. And humbling at the same time! I needed this today. I too have a teenage son and this is just I needed to read. It makes a lot of sense to me.
They are friendly otherwise, the only problem is that if elder boy speaks something to tell him, he cant take it, and talk badly and rudely, whereas my elder son keep quite as he dont want to fight. Earlier this thing often create lots of tension between the two.
I really dont know how to handle this. As i feel he dont have any respect for his elder brother. I would add a strong faith base. Help them realize that there is a force greater than them and this will follow them into young adulthood as they begin to make bigger life-changing decisions. I read through your articel and for some reason it made me tear up. I really like the the heartfelt approach you take! Its nice to know that there are Moms out there who do love their kids in the right way , so they can hopefully become responsible and mature adults.
Lovely read — thank you. I enjoyed your words Monica! Every inch of your list are things I strongly believe in; and truly DID when my two boys were elementary age. Last year they turned 13 and I started a business. They changed and I did too. Your post was a wonderful reminder stand for something,.. I have never posted a single word, or photo.
This is a first. Thank you for the picture I will carry forth of who I am.
Keeping Your Cool When Parenting Teens
What your doing here are the seeds of change. Thank you so much for commenting…it means a lot to me! I am sure the season ahead will be a good one! My oldest son is 17 and pretty stoic, but if we work out in the yard which he likes — go figure! We are doing something crazy. My 2 teenage boys live with their dad. I have been fighting with him for almost two years now for court ordered visitation. After mediation he only allowed me to see the boys once a month for a span of two months.
Once school started he had stated that their education was more important. I agree that their education is important but they have days off school so I am continuing to fight for what I believe is the right as a mom to be time with my children on the days they are out of school.
That must be an awful position for you to be in. This was an encouraging read! I have a preteen boy and a 4yo boy, and I wonder Every. We need to start changing this world and making it wonderful again…. This was an awesome article, thank you! Thank you so much for this! I have a 12 year old that is out of control with his behavior. Recently I asked him to look up both definitions boundaries and security. But today I want to thank you for confirming my thoughts!!!! Thank you for uplifting me today! I raised two boys who have become wonderful men, husbands and fathers. Plus we always ended up hosting the after-school crowd which we nicknamed the Cheese Club because they started out just eating cheese and crackers and moved to eating practically everything in the fridge, but that was a small price to pay.
Those are great memories. I am having issues with a 15 year old boy. He is not my biological son, I have only been in his life for the last 2 years. I find your information very helpful but I am struggling. He reminds me daily that I am not his mom. I tell him that I may not be his mother but he is my son and I love him very much.
Do you have any advice on how I can get close to him? I try to joke with him, set boundries, i try to have convwrsations with him. He wants nothing to do with any of it. He pushes ever button, refuses to listen, acts childish, walks away from me…. How can I have fun with my 13 year old without spending money. I blame my self for that. When he was four he was attacked by a dog and everything just changed. Ever since that day I feel so guilty like it was my fault. So every time he ask for something I buy it for him. Is it to late to change what I done wrong all these years?
My best suggestion would be to be very honest with your son. Let him know that spending money does not equal love, and that you regret how things have gone. I would be firm and loving. Let him know that you want to spend quality time with him, that you need to create stricter boundaries on games and devices because you love him.
Communication is key, but you need to be the parent and quit operating in guilt and fear. I have 5 kids, four girls 18, 16, 16, 11 and a boy But, I try to remind myself of one moment with him that made me feel like a really great mom. A few years ago, he came into my room and we started just chatting. My response was good, but I was ecstatic that he felt comfortable to just ask me such a tough question.
Now, when things are hard, I just try to remember he does trust me. All I have to do is keep giving him reasons to keep trusting. I am so in love with this wild young man!
Keeping Your Cool When Parenting Teens
I absolutely loved this! Thank you you for this…I know it will come in handy when the time is right! My teen son is very negative and judgemental. I try talking to him about it but no idea why he is that way. I LOVE this post! As someone new to the blog world and about to enter into the world of parenting teenage boys, it was reassuring to read that you have not had huge struggles. Right now, I feel somewhat lost but all of what you said makes real sense. This is perfect for me, being a single mother of a teenage boy.
Thank you very much. I too have two boys, but mine are still young. I totally agree that investing in them now will pay off later. Thank you for your words of encouragement and insight! I knew he was having a hard time starting a new school and I told him that I was praying for him. Thank you for the article and God bless, Monica. I have been rasing my two Grand children since they were babies.
The question I have is on the last one I have left. What I have trouble with is letting go, more with this kid. I guess I get scared, because of how my own son had freedom and ruined his life he is this teens Dad. I trust him, it the other kids and influences he will come across in his first year of high school. Can you give a old lady a few word to help? His older sister gave me a lot of problems, some like her parents did.
But she had to grow up fast, she has a Daughter. In school, going to be a doctor, has 4. Thank you so very much. Thank y ou so much for this. I have one son in college and another in 9th grade. Teens…they really need listening ears. And it really takes hours to listen to their stories. And when i cut them, they feel bad. I loved this I have two teenagers and some days I think raising them is the hardest thing ive ever did but it also is such a rewarding accomplishment at the end of the day. I have to say I thought thos was beautiful and so helpful thanks for sharing.
As a mother of 3 boys I absolutely loved and agree with your article. Two of my boys have successfully made it thru the teenage years 20 and 22 and my third will become a teen in December. As all of your points are true and important, the 3 that resonate the most are boundaries, direction, and example. I found that setting an example of what a woman should be how you dress, speak, act and the people who you surround yourself with were very important aspects of the men they have become.
They are hard working, they respect woman, and they choose the people they spend their time with wisely. I completely agree with everything you wrote. Most importantly for my kids and I is communication and feeling comfortable being able to tell me anything without worrying about the consequences. My husband and I have a great relationship with both my son and daughter and love your list which reminds me of the little things that mean so much.
I have good men, but I often wonder what-if… Keep this up. Great article Monica, I have 2 boys 9 and 11 years old and at times I wonder where I went wrong when I hear complains about my eldest son. My wonderful cousin and your great article has hel. How much physical touching is too much? My thirteen year old grandson is at times very affectionate to both myself and his mom.
He is a type I diabetic and at times feels tired. He loves to lay on the couch and let you scratch or rub his back. Is that too much? Because of health reasons, we only have one boy who is now Since we live far from both sets of grandparents, every years since he was 2 months old, my husband has allowed us to go to visit both sets of grandparents and whatever aunts, uncles and cousins we can fit in. And thoughtful and insightful and they tug at your heartstrings so many times in so many ways. He is definitely at the stage where hugs and verbal expressions of love toward his parents is not as cool as it was when he was little, but that makes the times that he voluntarily does those things even more heartwarming.
I miss my little boy, but am having so much fun with my teen! Love your blog and posts! I totally know how you feel Christy! Sounds like you are balancing it all well…Keep it up and enjoy him! Absolutely love this post! I have 3 teenage boys and a 10 yr old daughter. Thank you so much! I was wondering what your thoughts were about raising men who are caring and compassionate towards women.
I really enjoyed your article, it was very much spot on. I have a soon-to-be 15 yo son, too and these are the best years! Though it takes some patience to navigate them, I think I love them most of all. It gives us a chance to connect on multi levels, but have a lot of fun, too! It is usually a camping trip, but we have also stayed in cabins or hotels. I let him pick the place, he plans almost every aspect of the trip, he gets all the camping gear ready and we work together to set it up when we get there.
He makes a meal plan and we go shopping using the list he wrote up. If the location is close to restaurants, we might eat out once a day, he picks the place to eat. But he has to plan ALL activities. Biking- he helps put the bike rack on and makes sure bikes are loaded securely, with all tools and extra tubes, tires, inflator, etc. Hiking- boots, walking sticks, hydration packs, maps, compass, granola bars, etc. Even down to the board games or card games we play at night, he is in charge of every last thing we do. Helps wash all dishes and utensils and is responsible for making sure the fire is completely put out before bedtime.
I know that it sounds like a lot, but it entails even so much more! It gives us a chance to bond over working as a team, but he is the team leader. It lets him flex his choices and gives him the chance to show how responsible he can be, because I am counting on him for all my needs and entertainment! My son is 16…wow, so hard to believe! He and I have always been extremely close. He always wanted to be with me and hugged me truly all the time until this year. My son seems selfish, moody, angry and hardly hugs me. I never expected this from this particular child…maybe my others, but not him.
We had a bond that was very unusual…everyone saw it. We are Christians and we homeschool. His father left us when he was 9 years old. He was upset and very hurt, but not like this. I feel he is very angry about his father leaving him and not showing much attention to him, even now. I miss my son. I can feel your pain and frustration. My first questions are whether or not your son is involved in a youth group or anywhere that he has a positive male role model you might talk to?
And are you in touch with his father…Would there be any hope for counseling in that relationship? But I also wonder, since he is homeschooled, where he is getting his new ideas that tell him how everything is? Does he have friends or some influence that is feeding him new thoughts?
Most of all, I will pray for you now, and I am so sorry. I do believe that you if you keep consistent character and love your son unconditionally, that in time he will turn back to your steady, reliable relationship. You might just have to be patient. Hang in there momma!! This has given me a great direction as a mom to a teenager. Thank you so much. I just want you to know how much I enjoyed your post.
In fact, I cried at one point! You sound like an amazing mother. Wow, thank you Leezah! That truly makes me so happy.
I will keep writing, and thanks for reading!! What a great read! I have four young boys…oldest just turned 6 and younger is almost 18 months! I hope I remember your insightful words and humorous outlooks on this journey. Thank you for your post. Best of luck to you and your family.
Thanks again for sharing,! So I figure that if we can get through this as a family, we can get through anything!! We all know there is no book for this. Not to mention all their friends they bring over! But, at the same time, I love it! Another rule I have is if they have Facebook , then they have to add me as a friend. So whatever happens on there, I get to see it!! Also, nobody has a tv in their room. Well, now my 17 yr old does because of his situation. And we do, trust me. Thanks so much, I liked every single one of them! Thank you for commenting Kim. Your positive attitude is contagious!
But wow—You sound like you are walking through this season with a ton of grace and an amazing spirit. Monica, loved the article. As a Navy dad, I missed a lot of time with my kids, especially my son, so when I was home, I spent as much time as possible with both of them. I coached both my son, and my daughter, in T-ball, and was their biggest fan in soccer, etc. One on the things I learned with them was this one: If so, you have nothing to hang your head about!
I found that it worked out well. A C, or even a D, on the report card was fine, as long as they worked hard to get it. Thanks, for sharing n suggesting such important point. I m finding difficult to bring up my teenage boy. I was 37 when my husband and I had our one and only beautiful son and wanted to give him everything his little heart desired. He is 15 now and has been such a good kiddo, involved in church and band in school and never given us any real trouble. I felt like such a great mom until my body betrayed me. I so appreciate this article because it has given me a little more insight into what he needs and why he acts so Moody at times.
There are times I feel so disconnected from him. Where and how do I begin to pull him closer. Oh I am so sorry Dana. That hurts my heart. It is not uncommon, and sometimes it is just a season. Stick around—I hope to speak to these things in future posts, and I do hope you find some encouragement here. I am a mom of 3 boys. My oldest is fixing to turn He is dating our pastors daughter just started a few days ago. I noticed he was on the phone for 3 hours a few days ago till 11 pm. I had asked him to get off the phone and she asked to speak to me and said her parents said she could talk till 11 pm..
I let him talk till then and he was off at The next day they were on the phone again for over 3 hours so I said he had been on there long enough to take a break. He got kind of upset so we had a talk. I told him he needed boundries so I said he could talk 2x a day 90 min and text all he feels like he needs to.. Is your dad a father-figure to your son? If you think 15 or 30 or 90 which is a LOT by the way minutes is enough on the phone, then by all means, put your foot down.
I could say a lot more on this one—but bottom line: YOU be in charge.