Entitled, spoilt son (17) — please help

by Rod Smith

My son (17) is a high achiever in every aspect of his school life. He is extremely popular and enjoys clubbing/parties most weekends. I am afraid that over the years I have spoilt him because he has been so charming. Lately, signs that were there years ago are becoming a huge issue for me. We are constantly banging heads. My son does not communicate with his family in a friendly or meaningful way, or tell us about his life, instead he complains about his meager pocket money, expects us to run to and fro at all hours, complains about the lack of food in the house, grunts when his mother asks him if he liked his school lunch she lovingly prepared, moans when asked to lock up (this at 2am when we have just fetched him from a club) and generally displays an attitude of entitlement. He almost always makes excuses when asked to help in any way. I love my son very much. His lack of respect for the feelings of all his family, his rudeness and lack of gratitude are making me very sad. Can you help? A Father (Letter edited for space)

I will reply to this letter tomorrow. In the meantime readers, please send me your ideas.

3 Comments to “Entitled, spoilt son (17) — please help”

  1. charlotte lipton's avatar

    H i have read your post with interest, your son it seems to me has had it easy. I feel he is taking botth of his parents for granted. I went out with a man that had similar qualities and he was 46 years old.I am a single mother and have brought up my son on my own since he was 9 he is now 24. I haave tried not to spoil him and he has turned out to be a generous oung man who respects other people. I know as parents we want the best for our children, but i have an ability to step back from my son and see him as other people do and not as a mother… if you can at times try to do this and see how other people see your son, and try not to give in to his demands. He will be very defensive as he will see what you are doing, but will appreciate you giving a bit of tough love when required..hope i have helped….

  2. Confuddled's avatar

    hello, i am a 16 year old female and I have already had ALOT happen in my life… i think Charlotte is right… if your son is going to act like that he doesn’t deserve a damn thing… your gonna have to give him tough love… say NO! be the boss, your the parent, take control… threaten him by saying your going to kick him out if he doesn’t smarten up… I have been a little spoiled through my life because I have had it rough… its okay to spoil your kids once in a while but not all the time… they will appreciate what you do for them more if you don’t do it often… I hope your son realizes that at least he still has a family… he is really taking it for granted… he needs a good talk to… I can honestly say I don’t treat my mom with as much respect as she deserves but I am a teenager, its a phase, but don’t let him run all over you and run your life… you really have to step up! i hope i helped you… good luck!

  3. Rod Smith's avatar

    …. well Confuddled, since you are able to articulte how poorly you treat your mom perhaps you can also CHANGE that……… Don’t give me this “I am a teenager.. it;s a phase” nonesense….. It is not required of teens to be rebellios in order to grow up……… You can be NICE and become your own person.

    Rod

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