What do you do with a sulking teenager?

Question

He sulks for days and when we ask him if something is wrong, he denies. He is 19, at University.

Answer 1

Explain to him that this behaviour is immature and will not win him any admirers, also that it makes others in the house uncomfortable and is therefore selfish.  Then ignore him.

Answer 2

go do something!

give him money to get out of the house.

Or anything like that. Get him up doing something.

Movies-Paintball-karaoke- Nething that makes people laugh!

Answer 3

I also have a 19 year old son at university and he is exactly the same.

I saw a programme a few years ago that said teenagers stop all this at about 16, it was all lies.

It's only when he is at home, he is the life and soul of the party when he is out.

It's like Kevin and Perry, they sulk at home but are completely different around other people.

Sorry I have no advice, if you get the answer please let me know.

Answer 4

They are just sulking at life in general I think.   He`ll be ok once he realises it was never meant to be a rose garden.

Answer 5

He probably isn't sulking, he probably just wants to be left alone.

I know I did when I was 19.

Answer 6

How do you know he is sulking for days if he's gone to school?

Answer 7

They seem to be growing up a lot later than they used to.

I seem to recall just being left alone (ignored) gave me time to do my mean, moody thing then begin to feel chagrined that no-one seemed to care!

Answer 8

Sorry to be so blunt, but let him sulk. He's working you and when you continue to ask him what's wrong-you are giving him attention, evidently attention he likes. He's 19 and he'll get over it. Let him grow up.

Answer 9

Ignore him. I've got a teenager too. They are a different species. Just accept it cos he won't change for a while yet.  

Answer 10

not long to wait before he becomes human again. I have found copying teens and agreeing with everything they say to be the best way to handle them in the long run.

Answer 11

give him some prozac =]

Answer 12

I'm 19 and in university so I can relate to your son...to be honest, half the time I feel fine until my parents call and then I feel all sulky and not very talkative.  They always think something's wrong but really it's just because I wasn't looking forward to the phone call or the phone call interrupted something I deemed more important.  Plus at our age, we like being independent.  Parents prying into our lives all the time makes us feel like little kids again and makes us act sulky.

Besides, there's tons of added pressure in university.  Relationship issues, papers, midterms, final exams, keeping your grades up high enough to stay in your major amidst all your friends drinking and partying.  All I can tell you is to not pry into his life (which I understand is hard, being his parent and all).  Just let him know that you're thinking about him and always have the time to talk about whatever's on his mind, and you support him and are proud of him.  He'll work it out, just as I'm doing.

Answer 13

Sometimes when they say nothing is wrong, it means "nothing that I want you to know about."  It could be that there is something on his mind that he doesn't want to tell you. Or he could just be busy.  But at 19, he doesn't have to tell you everything.  He should be given a chance to solve his own problems. I've found that if it's really important, and if they need help, they'll ask.  Be patient. He'll come around.  

Answer 14

university can be hard at times, so he may be finding work difficult, or there may be a problem with a girl/boy.... usually when a guy goes to university he enjoys the freedom it entails and as such gets on better with his family. just let him know you're there for him when he needs it, and he should be ok. let him know that he can share any problem with you, whether it's concerns about workload, relationships or money. good luck

Answer 15

Gosh there is no hope for me with my sulky teen I looked at your question for some advice with my 13 yr old daughter but all I can see now is another 6 years of sulks lol but seriously there must be something wrong perhaps take him out and spend some time with him see if he won't open up to you in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, perhaps I should take my own advice with my own daughter !!! good luck !