I have been with my boyfriend for 9 years and we have 5 boys in between the two of us. (The youngest we share.) He works on a tow boat, so he is gone 14 days at a time. While he is gone his oldest son,13, completely defies me, and he bullies the other boys, and is destructive to our property. But when his dad comes home, he feels sorry for him and thinks that I just don't like him. And I am picking on him. Is my relationship over? I'm not asking him to choose between the two of us--I just want him to open his eyes and for him to see that his son is ou of control.

My 15 year old son is at most the sweetest child ever, but lately he has become someone that I do not know. His academic level is at an all time low. I get interims with comments, that he talks too much, capable of better work, fails to make up assignments. He was diagnosed ADD in the 3rd grade, but will not take the medication because of the side effects. I know a lot of his problem is dealing with puberty. I don't think he has the best friends in the world, but they are not into destructive behavior. He is in the 10th grade this year. If I say anything to him he gets angry storms into his room and minutes later he is calm. His fuse appears to be very short.
I worry about him academically, his self esteem is low. My husband wants to look into military schools, but unfortunately those schools are only available to those with a fat wallet and that isn't us.

yes i have a 12 year daughter who just won't listen to me or her step-dad,we've been in counseling and that didn't seem to help at all.my husband is just at the point that he doesn't want nothing to do with her,i've been with my husband for 10 years and she hasn't she her real dad for about 4 or 5 years he doesn't call her at all and i don't think that she should have to call him,could this be why she is the way she is.....Please help

My thoughts on this topic are that if you are dealing with an out of control teen, than chances are, you were dealing with an out of control child previously. I'm the Mother of a youngster and I will do my darndest to make sure she respects her elders every step of the way. But I'm generalising.....as everyone has a life story and different incidents in people's lives happen that help to create the character as we grow. But I'm a strong believer in giving a child a good, solid, moral back ground with lots of love and attention, and the more likely they will grow up to be fine young gentlemen and ladies that have belief in themselves.

Kess

i need help with my children i have 3 children and i'm separated from their father which is a major problem the oldest is male and the youngest is female and our family needs help.

Dear DR.Keith,
Just want to thank-you for talking with me and helping me on you show. My self esteem has really seemed to improve and I'm leaving the house more. School has started and of course I take forever to get ready but you really helped me. Keep up the good work and thanks again. Brittany