Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Trim Teen Talk Time?



Photo Credit: Image by ArtWithTammy on Pixabay

QUESTION:
My son will be 16 In a month.  When he was younger, he and I (his mother) would have 'talk time' - when we would lie in bed before he went to sleep to talk, share, etc.  We stopped doing that a couple years ago.  A couple months ago, he went through this phase where it seemed he hated my guts - it seemed as if I was his worst enemy.  It was extremely hard for me; but I chalked that up to his growing up and trying to separate from me (I also did a lot of praying and adjusting in how I communicated with him, trying to treat him more like a young man, etc.).  Now, our relationship has taken a 180 (I honestly don't know what to attribute that to); and our relationship is very close, warm and trusting - actually, in some ways, better than ever; but he is also requesting 'talk time' again.  I don't want to say 'no' because I am only too glad that he's wanting to share and talk; but my husband feels it is inappropriate given my son's age.
What do you think I should do?

ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS:
The following truisms need to be understood:
1.  Teenage boys typically yearn for more and more independence---and they should.
2.  There will be many phases throughout the teenage years, where the teen  will not see eye-to-eye with his parents and may even "hate their guts."
3.  Communication is rarely a bad thing.
        You need to be applauded for establishing the kind of relationship with your son that has allowed for "talk time" throughout his growing-up years. And the fact that he wants "talk time" again and your current relationship is "in some ways, better than ever", is something to relish and enjoy. Don't read too much into it , and enjoy the re-emergence of "talk time" while it lasts.
4.  However,you and your husband need to be on the same page regarding you and your son's relationship. Discuss with your husband why he thinks Talk Time is NOT a good thing. Make sure your husband is specific in his responses. Saying the boy is too old for that is not a good-enough response.  What are his concerns? Does he feel your son is not wanting to be independent and strongly emancipated? Is your son in some sort of a codependent relationship with you? Hear your husband out.
      But based on my limited knowledge of the situation, I see Talk Time with your 16-year old son as a strong positive in preparing him for the real world in a few short years.

Mike Smart CLPC "Parenting Outsmarted"
smartmike59@gmail.com
937-925-6136

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