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Parenting
lilmamabat
member
Clingy teen doesn't want to go to dance w/o mom
lilmamabat
member
in Parenting
This might seem a little strange, but I need some tips. I have both a 14 yo (stepchild who lives with us) and a 6 month old. My 14 yo just started high school and does not want to participate in anything. Out of concern for his mental/social health, my husband, bio mom, and I have decided to require a club and attendance to school dances. He accepts these terms. He is mad about having to go to homecoming. He wanted me to come chaperone, and I told him I would, but that it would require us to commit to staying the whole time(per chaperone rules). If I didn't go, he could stay for at least an hour and call me when he wants to come home. He took the latter, but was unhappy. We have been encouraging socialization with other kids his age without needing adults to guide it. He didn't used to have so much trouble, but things changed socially during the COVID lock down.
I have noticed since baby was born, my teen has become more clingy but pretends not to be. He started to cry when I told him he could have some independence at the county fair if he didn't want me around the entire time. Of course, we stayed together. We have always been close, but things have been strange the past couple years (teenagers I guess 🫠).
He was upset last night after we were talking about school and homecoming, stood up and dumped a full glass of water on the floor. I was stunned. He did then clean it up, however I sent him to bed immediately. (He stayed up late due to no school today)
I just don't know what to do here. I see a lot of overtly mature behavior mixed with very immature behavior. I'm not sure how to parent him rn. I do suspect the more childish behavior is a cry for attention bc it requires discipline that he had as a young child over the talk it out/let him think of solutions strategy that I have used for him more recently.
Geez... thoughts?
I have noticed since baby was born, my teen has become more clingy but pretends not to be. He started to cry when I told him he could have some independence at the county fair if he didn't want me around the entire time. Of course, we stayed together. We have always been close, but things have been strange the past couple years (teenagers I guess 🫠).
He was upset last night after we were talking about school and homecoming, stood up and dumped a full glass of water on the floor. I was stunned. He did then clean it up, however I sent him to bed immediately. (He stayed up late due to no school today)
I just don't know what to do here. I see a lot of overtly mature behavior mixed with very immature behavior. I'm not sure how to parent him rn. I do suspect the more childish behavior is a cry for attention bc it requires discipline that he had as a young child over the talk it out/let him think of solutions strategy that I have used for him more recently.
Geez... thoughts?
Re: Clingy teen doesn't want to go to dance w/o mom