I’m worried about my relationship with my teenage son who never wants to do anything with me
DEAR DEIDRE: I KNOW my son is probably just acting like a normal teenager but I am worried about him.
As his father, I find it hard to get anything out of him.
He is 16. If I ask how he is getting on at school or generally, he just says: “Fine.” He goes to school every day and his reports and exam results are good.
I’m 40. If I say I am going somewhere and invite him along, he pulls a face and can’t be bothered.
He is quiet and not very confident. He has a friend who is a lot more outgoing.
When they are together, I can hear them messing about and being silly.
So why can’t he be more like that with his mother and me too?
I don’t know what to do. Do I leave him alone or try to make him do stuff?
Topic of the day
ONE in four young people see porn before they are teens, so no wonder it’s tougher than ever for couples to agree on the boundaries for sex.
My e-leaflet Sex Games And Sense can help you work out what’s right for you. For a copy, email the address on the left or message me on Facebook.
DEIDRE SAYS: Lots of young people – and boys especially – are just like your son.
Tell him you love him and are interested in him but leave it up to him how much he tells you.
Popular Dear Deidre problems
Give him some time. As children grow up, they need to distance themselves from their parents temporarily in order to establish themselves as individuals in their own right.
Once this is done, it is easier for them to get close to their parents again.
My e-leaflet on Troubles With Teenagers has more information.