help, need advice on dealing with a 17 year old boy

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: HomeBrewerDude

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan

Originally posted by: HomeBrewerDude
...

Take offense to my post, did ya? I said I have no experience with the psychologist thing, but I have plenty of experience with this situation. There is no talking to them. You have to let them fend for themselves before they will listen to someone who wants to help them. My sister is crazy like the boy in the OP, and I mean really crazy, so this isn't new to me (though I wish it was).

no i didn't take offense, and I didn't want you to take offense at mine.

:thumbsup: :beer:

 

[soydios]

I have a good friend (we're both 18 now) whose dad died two years ago after a four-year cancer battle, when we were both 16-ish. He went through a stage where he rejected anything that might act as a father figure, including his uncle who lives right across town, and burned several other bridges. He changed schools, but has otherwise been doing well, considering all the sh1t he and the rest of his family (mother and younger sister) have been through over the last six years.

What your case needs is a "father figure" to tighten down the screws and prod him into doing something productive. Don't do it in a heavy-handed way, though, or he'll just write you off.

 

[jackace]

honestly he is 17 and close to being legally on his own. Its time real-life hit him upside the head. Boot-camp is a good option for this. So is tough love. IMO its basically sink or swim time for him. He is too old to treat like a kid with grounding and such. He needs to feel the consequences of his actions. Make him get a job, pay rent, buy his own things, etc. My parents did the same thing to my sister when she hit 17 and wanted to quit school and just sponge off them and do what she wanted. My parents made a rule you either go to school and better yourself or you get a job and pay your way. Its your choice either way.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Take homebrewerdude's advice, start searching for a good psychologist that will understand the issues and find ways to solve them. A good psychologist is worth the money, trouble is in finding one.

Btw - you are doing this friend and their future a good deal of help, good job on that :beer: