Help with Adolessence

I can imagine that it is frustrating raising boys on your own. First I would like to say that although it sounds like you might be having a hard time you seem to be going the right path. Being consistent with adolscents is important. Just because it seems like he is less concerned with consequences it really does bother him when you ground him. That is most likely his way of trying to make you feel intimidated. It doesnt matter your size always remember you are the parent and what you say goes. Don't show him that you are intimidated because if he senses that he will continue to push your buttons. This is the time where teenagers like to test but you must always stand your ground. Don't forget to also talk to him about the reasons you ground or punish him. Hope this helps but it sounds like you are a very involved parent and that is wonderful.

Hi, S.!

I'm a single mom, too, and my daughter is 14 with Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. It has been difficult! She's not bigger than me, though, which probably helps. She is definitely stubborn and oppositional! If you get some good advice from the other moms, please let me know!

:-)
Deb

I would ease up a bit and show them that you trust them and SOME of their decisions, I think when you show some trust in your children they show more respect to you and make wiser decisions. I knew when i was growing up the kids who`s parents were always on their cases and were strict, they were all the ones who got in the worst and most trouble. I`m not saying let them do everything they want, but compromise with them, let them know you respect them and see them as people. the most important thing is communication, listen to them. And remember you were their age once and know you can`t stop them from making the wrong decisions but just guide them with communication. Kids will retaliate if you are too on their cases and be resentful and disrespectful to you. Give them a little space and talk to them, truly talk to them, want to hear about the girls they like, their interests, and too understandf there is stuff that is private and embarrassing that they won`t want to discuss, and respect that choice. So set some limits but realistic ones for their ages and listen, communicate, and remember you were where they are too and wanted some space and , more freedom, and respect when you were their ages too.

Keep doing what you're doing. His hormones are all out of control. He's going to give you bad attitude no matter what. Try leveling with him like the adult he wants to be. Be honest about telling him why you make the decisions you do without holding back.
When I was a teenager, hating the world, I respected that my parents were always honest with me. They were strict and I hated living under their roof but, they made sure I understood why they made the decisions they did. Although I hated it at the time, I thank them constantly now.
And, always remind him of the many great things he has to look forward to and how one bad mistake can take it all away and you're only making sure he gets the best out of life.

i wish i could help you there i'm 4'11" myself & my oldest 2 at 10 & 8 are almost my height & i'm having problems myself

at that age kids think they are grown and to big to be getting grounded what you have to do is enforce the rules let him know that you are still his mother and will always be. your son is going through a phase he will break out of it he's looking for attention, you can get him involved in community centers in your neighborhood and try to find a male figure to spend time with him that's more or less why he wants attention growing up in a single parent household they lack attention because of one parent working extra hard spreading themselves to thin trying to pick up the work of two parents.