All parents can do at the end of the day is try their very best, I think deep down you know that you've done a great job with your son, these times will pass, in the meantime I hope you can find peace and happiness through inward acceptance and understanding. xoxoxo L

Hello, parenting is one of the most difficult things to do - there's a way you can aim at, and well, with teenagers that is difficult, I really don't think there's a perfect way. Just being there for your child is an achievement. Believe in yourself and maybe try negotiate some time out for yourself away from the home for a few hours? Lots of love.

I feel like such a failure!!! Why can't I raise my kid ? Feeling like this is just another thing I can't do!!!

You are not a failure. You obviously love your child very much - why else would this be so upsetting to you?

Are you trying your best? If the answer to that question is YES, than no.. you are NOT a failure.

Try to put this into perspective - your son has had to deal with the splitting up of his family unit. That is not easy on anyone. Of course it is going to affect him and his attitudes toward you and your ex partner. The fact that you are trying to continue to provide an atmosphere of rules and structure for your son is a positive thing - regardless of how he might view it at the moment - and in the future he will appreciate that. Above and beyond dealing with the divorce, your son is dealing with regular teenage angst. Almost every teen at some point "hates" their parents and their "stupid rules." Every teen at some point makes their parents feel the way your son is making you feel right now - like an utter failure. The rebelling is all a part of his growing up. Right now, to him, Dad is the "better" parent because he can have more fun when he is there, without so many "stupid rules" like he has at Moms place.. but deep down inside, underneath all the layers of teenage complexity, is a little boy who always has and always will love you. One day, when he is all grown up.. he will appreciate the fact that you tried to guide him through his teenage years with the use of rules.

YES - I know exactly how you feel.

Raising teens are hard on everyone. I call it "teenage terrorism."

It WILL get better when they grow up. I didn't think I would survive my teen daughters, but I did (barely lol).

Hugs

he will drive you crazy till he is 30. then he will calm down. it is as it is supposed to be . has been that way with all my boys. no words of wisdome except you are doing the best you can.

I am so sorry your son is putting you through all this. You sure dont deserve it hon. I sure dont have the answer but your in my thoughts. Hugs Lexi

Pardon me if I snicker for a minute before answering. I felt exactly the same during my daughter's teen years. From age 12 to 17, in her opinion I could do *nothing* right -- NOTHING. It actually got so terrible, I considered a boarding school.

But she is 19 now and we are very good friends. She appreciates the limits I put on her, the discipline I gave her, and she is now much closer to me than to her dad who has always been more lenient.

Hang in there. You are NOT failing as a parent, you are raising a teenager. This is the awful price we pay for all the good times we had when they were younger and the times we will have with them once more when they have a little maturity to see beyond their own selfish wants. Take it from me, someone who's been there and come through to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Campy... OHHH how I know what you are facing ... I have a 21 year old that at times still makes me feel like a failure.. Its not you hon its Hormones, rebellion, and struggling against growing up .... I would love to tell you that it passes soon but with boys it seems to take FOREVER ....

How I see it ..... if he is driving you crazy .. you must not be such a failure because that means you care and are trying the best you can ... As parents that is all we can do HUGGGGSSSSSSS