Parenting Teenagers (12-18) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of teenagers (12 to 18 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.
My son is 14, he has been acting out progressivley since he turned 13. Me and his father divorced 7 years ago. He has been acting out in school being very disrepectful with teachers, has gotten suspended a few times, has been skipping school, he has aid he hates me, has called me out of my name, has raised his hands to me, has threatened suicide. I have done what I can do for my son. I have taken him to ER to get assessed they put him in inpatient therapy program for a week. He was crying that he wanted out and he was sorry for threatening suicide, I have taken him to therapy sessions and he has refused to speak with the therapist, I have tried talking with him, disciplining him, taking things away, his oldest brothers have tried talking to him as well. And still the same behavior persists. His father is in his life every other weekend, he was gone to MX for a few months and has returned. It has come to the point that I have missed to much work from picking him up after being suspended, meeting with teachers, and prinicipal. I have my job and other children to worry about. His father and I have decided for him to live with his father for sometime. My concern is I have always been involved in my kids lives, I feel like I am giving up on my son but, I have no other options. I also don't know how to show him to be a responsible, respectful young man. I don't have this issue with my other teen that is 17 now, he has been a normal teen and to be honest he should be the one that has anger issues because he is overweight but instead he goes thru life with such a great attitude. As a mother is is okay I let dad now take over and see how he develops and if this helps? I am hesistant because I have never been without my kids, momma bear instincts are kicking in and I want to give him another chance but, deep down I know he needs his dad and it's time for some change. Uggh why do teens have to be so damn difficult.
What is the saying - doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results - is the definition of insanity. As long as his dad and you are on the same page in terms of helping your son, this is a great and what seems to be the next logical step. Things have to change for change to occur.
Try to make sure you text him each and every day, stay in touch in small ways. Visit as much as seems beneficial. I'm sure he'll always be on your mind and in your heart, if not under your roof. Boys need their dad (and mom, of course), maybe this will be what he needs,
Some days I wonder if I am the one with the depression and anxiety. She makes me feel like I can't do anything right and that she does not care about her family.
I am considering the route of a different school to limit her exposure as she is definitely a follower. Looking at options such as a private all girls school. She has chores and does sports...but just continues to defy and separate. Not sure if sending her to a different school is the correct change...but it is an option. Are there other suggestions that you have come across?