how do u get along with teenagers?

[mhealer3]

an 'age-old' question, i guess.

my 18 y/o son seems so disinterested in me... i cry lots about it.
i only see him a couple hours a week, (he's him living with his dad).


but i'm really getting tired of being on my 'best behavior'
when we do visit......
always afraid he'll get offended somehow. (as so often has happened).

it's not a real relationship--
i feel like he puts up a barrier 2 keep me out.
he hardly listens when i talk.

((and i rarely give him any advice,
instead i remain upbeat & casual.....
because i'm working hard 2 be his ally))

still...... feel like it's useless.
it's been a couple of years now.

any thots?

[mhealer3]

gosh, i hope so.
in the meantime i really have 2 get
a life.... so i can stop worrying about it.

thanks

[sammmy]

please don't take it personally. he's a teenager
you'd think that age 18 they would have grown out of that phase of indfference and selfishness, but nah. if anything it's a little worse around that age, they've JUST turned into an adult, they're feeling well grown up (hah) and it's a time to assert their independence.

i was like this with my mum, so was my brother, and i think most of my friends. it upset my mum badly but at the time i wasn't too bothered.
looking back now i feel so bad i cannot even describe. i have a wonderful relationship with my mum now, as does my brother. so don't worry, i'm sure this is just something that needs to run its course. be there for him, but don't badger him, he won't appreciate it.

[Mr Ploppy]

He's a teenager, and most teenagers are a pain in the arse. It'll pass.

[mhealer3]

thank u so much 4 all the good tips...

i will chill-out, & remain positive.

(much relieved 4 all the encouragement, friends