Need advice from parents of teens and teens themselves. My son just turned 18. He used to be close to me when?

Question

he was little but now he hardly wants to bother with me. He is smart in school, going to college soon but still living at home for now, he is respectful to me and tells me he loves me. I just don't feel needed as much. He is hardly home cause he works and has a girlfriend. It just seems he would rather be with his friends more than me. I only ask for a little bit of his time and he says he is busy. Like I said he is respectful of me but I hardly see him and I miss that. Any advice?

Answer 1

Well, I am about to turn 18 as well, and I can totally relate to what is going on. I live with my grandmother (I still see and talk to my Mom, though), and I am feeling that way with both her and my Mom.

I guess the reason I am like that with them is because I am just older now, and I feel like I have alot more important things going on. Not to sound rude or selfish, but at this age, we have alot to think about. We have our whole lives ahead of us, and frankly, it's stressful.

Maybe you should try talking to him about it and see if something is bothering him (don't ask over and over, though...that's just annoying). Then if he says "No", just say "Alright, well just remember that I'm here whenever you need me or just want to talk." And then, leave him alone. Don't push anything with him right now. Just let him do his own thing. He is an adult now, and he needs his space.

He will come running to Mama when he is in need. We always do.

Good luck.

Answer 2

your son is finding his own way.  when my husband and I started dating his son was always around, but at about 15 he started liking girls and hanging out with his friends, and wasn't so close to his dad anymore.  He is growing up,and momma you got to let him find his way. Does it mean he doesn't need you? No it just means he is becoming a man. Start doing things for yourself.  We always invite my stepson to join us, and sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't and we proceed to enjoy ourselves and let him do his own thing too.  It is difficult. he will let us comfort him when he is sick but he is pretty much doing his own thing 95 percent of the time.It is hard to let go, but you will survive it.