Communicating with your child in his teen years, is an aid to change your relationship into one of guidance, instead of absolute control. Make time to talk with your son. Tell him that you would like to have lunch with him and discuss some important subjects. Let him know that you respect his privacy, but that you must establish honest communication. Show him that lying will not get you off his back, but honest discussion will.
Curiosity is normal.
Seek to understand the true nature and motivation for your son's behavior and use this event as an opportunity to create discussions, rather than avoid them. Gayle Peterson, MSSW, LCSW, PhD is a family therapist specializing in prenatal and family development. Her articles on family relationships appear in professional journals and she is an oft-quoted expert in popular magazines such as Woman's Day , Mothering and Parenting . She is a clinical member of The Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a Diplomate with the National Association of Social Work. She also serves on the advisory board for Fit Pregnancy Magazine .