How to mend a kid?

[Sanjeev]

My son, who is 17 years old, is behaving like an adult now. He doesn't like to have restrictions and likes to roam with his friends. He doesn't like to go with us (his parents and sister). He likes privacy rather than living with us. There are lots of changes I have been seeing in him these days. I don't know if these are signs that he is no longer a kid. I am worried because now he is making a distance with us. I don't know if it's good or bad, and it's making me sad. Is there any method by which we can make him close to us again, at least to my wife (his mother)?

 

[Kennysplash]

That is what usually happens when kids are nearing their late teens. They tend to be one reserved and no longer open up especially to their parents. You have to be patient with them as the phase will eventually pass. If you force it on them you might drive them farther away from you.

 

[Sanjeev]

@Kennysplash Yes, that's true. I have realized it, and that's the reason I am not harsh towards him and don't force him to do what we want, but I definitely don't want him to be too far away from me.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Hmm, depends on what “mend” means here. If it’s about correcting behavior, I’d say love and patience work best. Kids pick up things quick when you explain calmly instead of shouting. My niece once broke something, and instead of beating her, I made her clean it up and talk about why it was wrong. Since then, she has been more careful. You just need sense and small humor with kids.