My Teenager Hates Me!

Hey T.....I'm TOTALLY feeling your pain. My son went from a sweet, sensitive human to a total uncaring, greedy & mean BRAT!!! I told him the other day that all he thinks about is himself. I know it's a stage-but it sure is a hard one. I miss my son and I don't feel like after working so hard to support us (I was an unassisted single mom for 8 years with him)and now, working so hard to run him to baseball practice or game every single day, I just don't deserve the treatment I get from him. I am always paying for something for him, $130 for equipment, $180 for baseball, $60 for a lost school book, I'm the biggest sucker around because I continue to support my son even though he treats me dirt.
So Miss T., all I can do is lament with you, I can't offer any suggestions. All I know is I feel your pain!
Take care
J.

Hi T.
I have never been in your exact position but having had 4 children of my own and 2 of them are teenagers now I have seen alot. I can make some suggestions that I hope help.
1st, I don't think your teenager actually hates you, he might be going through a bad time and doesnt know who to take it out on. 2nd,I would have him participate in a
activity you do as a family, like going to church and maybe he can join one of the youth groups and be with kids his own age but at the same time get a good foundation.
3rd, I suggest family counseling. This way you are all talking to someone that is neutral that will give their opinion on your family situation. Your son might feel better talking to someone outside his family about his
problems. You are a family and will get through this
tough time. God Bless.
V.

Not that this will solve everything, but have you read, "Get Out of My Life, But First Would You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?" by Dr. Anthony (I think) Wolfe? Secondly, there are some purportedly good child/family psychologists in town. I've had two parents give me the names of folks (I'm a divorce lawyer) but I can't put my fingers on them now. Good Luck. Hang in there. Pray for God to reveal to you how you should respond.

Hi T....

Have you heard of Willian Glasser's "Choice Theory"? Check it out. Great advice on communication and relationships. It might be out of the norm of howpeople normally react, but if you really think about it...it's true. It never hurts to try new things.

God Bless!