May the force be with you young Ericmsant2.....

[PEI]

Hey E,

I'm short on time but wanted to add my quick 2 cents (zip it Mach!)

I think, and I'm guessing here, that beatrice meant your stbxW and S17 when she said "the other two"...

You can't PULL him closer. He'll resist.

DB him E.

Validate him. Set boundaries. Love him unconditionally.

He'll come around ... or he won't. All you can do is consistently love him and be there for him.

I've said it once, and I'll say it a million times ... GROW A THICKER SKIN Stop taking what he says and does personally, in fact I still think it would be a good idea for you to pick up a few books on parenting teens...

You've said up there that you're not his friend, you're his father, and while I agree with this statement, make sure you don't get too authoritarian in an attempt to prove your point. Also, keep in mind that he is becoming a man, and the relationship of a father and a son evolves as that son ages and comes into his own.

Love him.

Validate him.

Don't rescue him from himself or situations he gets himself into.

Continue to tell him you love him.

Never talk to his friends about him (listen but STFU) - TRUST ME, it will come back to haunt you if you do! Don't even agree with them when they say he's messed up etc. And never tell him they've spoken to you.

Always act respectfully towards his mother.

And grow that thicker skin will ya, you think teenage boys are tough .........

Peace
T