I need some objective advice about how to deal with my teenage son who has become, well, like a teenage boy...

My son recently turned 13 and almost immediately started changing - a LOT. We've always had a good and open relationship, he is a smart kid and was respectful, responsible, considerate.





Now, he's discovered the social aspect of life, and all he thinks about is talking to his friends. He has a big lack of respect to me and his teachers - very sarcastic and rude, to a point of almost not caring whether he gets in trouble. He is lazy with school and house work. He seems to have no drive whatsoever unless it involves his friends.





I am a single mom but have always laid down the law pretty firmly in his life. He is in no way ';getting away with'; this behavior, but I'm frustrated because punishment does not seem to help. I also can't get him to communicate with me. He just responds ';I don't know'; or make such unreasonable arguments I don't even know how to respond.





I know it's a hard stage and he'll get through it but any ideas on how to deal with it in the meantime are appreciated!I need some objective advice about how to deal with my teenage son who has become, well, like a teenage boy...
Don't argue with him, right now he's smarter than you are and is learning how to manipulate you. Remember when he was 2? Its the same stuff in a bigger body. If the punishment you are doing isn't working, change it. Tell him up front that every time he misbehaves, he loses an opportunity to be with his friends. Don't be punative and don't embarress him in front of his friends, but if he smarts off to the teacher, he doesn't get to do whatever the next social thing is. Talk about respect in terms that aren't emotional. You don't talk back to authority because the consequences are unpleasant, you get fired or you get thrown in jail or you don't go to the movies with your friends.


Don't make threats you can't keep. Be consistant and be nurturing. Make your home the ';haven';, and invite his friends over every time you can. Your son has a million things going on in his head, and if you remember right, so did you at that age.


Hold on, demand the best from him, be consistant in your response to bad behavior and have a sense of humor about your little man. If there is a trusted older man, a grandfather or uncle, or even his own father, make sure they teach him what it is to be a man. If you don't have a positive role model for him in your life(not a b/f unless he's focused on your son's best interest), then get him involved with a sports team, scouts or Big Brother/Big Sister. Boys usually turn around by the time they are 18, some not until alittle later. You'll get your child back eventually, just be patient.I need some objective advice about how to deal with my teenage son who has become, well, like a teenage boy...
Aren't teenagers fun. Try grounding and don't give in to him Take his cell phone away from him if he doesn't straighten up. Or his stereo or TV or what ever. Make him earn them back. You are in for a hard time. Just bear with it.


I know allot of times I just wanted to strangle my son but we made it through and he turned out OK.


Just set down the rules and stick to them.
stop his friends from coming over or calling the house until he get his mind right.
Tell his friends he can't come out and play until you say so. And then send his friends on their way.
welcome to puberty! ain't it a B, we went through the same thing with six of them, girls are worse, be thankful you have a boy! not to worry it only gets worse before it gets better, that is usually after boot camp or prison. good luck!!!!!!
Could it be that you've been too strict with him and have overloaded him with rules? As a child, he doesn't have much chance to fight back, but as a teenager, this might cause his behaviour. Maybe you should be more laid back and give him a break.
you may need a male figure for him to talk to an uncle or the pastor of the church maybe one of those things will help