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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU I genuinely think I hate my 15 yr old son!! I blame myself and dh

597 replies

BrightPearlEagle · 02/07/2026 13:09

I honestly don’t know if I’m being unreasonable or if I’ve just reached the point where something has to give.

My husband (49M) and I (46F) have three sons. Our eldest is 15. He attends an independent boys’ school and is academically very able he has already sat some GCSEs early and is expected to continue doing well academically.
But at home, things feel like they’ve completely broken down.

He ignores rules, refuses boundaries, and any attempt to parent him leads to arguments, shutdowns, or him simply doing what he wants regardless. It feels like we are constantly in conflict and there is no cooperation at all anymore.
The stress in the house has become constant, and it’s affecting the whole family dynamic, not just him. We are trying to parent him consistently, but nothing seems to be getting through.

We’ve now also been called into school for a formal meeting regarding his behaviour, including concerns about him with girls and general conduct in school. Academically there are no concerns, but behaviourally they are clearly worried. from underage sex to drinking we are done we do not know what to do. He has had a different girl in the house pretty much everyday for the last 2 weeks. He is popular at school and I have just had enough with it all I feel like we are reaching breaking point as a household. I have been so overwhelmed by the situation that I’ve had to take time off work due to stress.

I’ve suggested that he might go and stay with my parents for a short period. Not as a punishment or to “send him away”, but because I genuinely feel like we all need space to reset and stop things escalating further at home. My parents are willing to have him.

My husband is unsure and thinks it could make things worse or feel like we are abandoning him at a difficult age.

I’m torn because part of me feels this is the only way to stop things spiralling, and part of me worries it’s a step too far and we should be holding firm at home instead.

So AIBU for thinking sending him to stay with his grandparents temporarily is the right move right now?

OP posts:
Purplerubberducky · 02/07/2026 16:24

This is insane. Your son has sexually assaulted another child and he’s still been able to bring multiple girls back to your home? You can’t just wash your hands of the responsibility. He needs to be taught that this is absolutely not acceptable. No social media access whatsoever and find out what the hell he is doing when he is doing whatever he wants. He’s 15 fgs. Take him away together and talk to him. Reach out to social services for support (they’ll be shit I’m sure but at least try). Do not raise another entitled arrogant rapey man to adulthood. The world does not need more of them.

ToffeeCrabApple · 02/07/2026 16:23

You say he didnt like this girl etc.

Be honest - did he have sex with her? It sounds like he gave her the impression he liked her in order to have sex with her and then backed off when she expected that meant he liked her.

You need to isolate him from external influences fast. Get him out of the school if possible. Remove all sources of communication with friends & physically supervise any computer use for school work. Remove all access to money. Definitely no hockey tour!!

You need to act fast or he's in danger of becoming a really nasty piece of work.

Bridesmaidorexfriend · 02/07/2026 16:22

Squidward2026 · 02/07/2026 16:15

Unfortunately I knew a guy like this who was deeply misogynistic. I was very innocent and he basically groomed me for months then coerced me into sex the moment I was 16. It took years for me to get over that but because it was 'legal' nothing I felt I could do or say or even complain about but honestly a lot of young girls (like I was) are such easy targets for this kind of predatory behaviour. I feel like your son might be putting a lot of girls in the situation I was which is shitty as hell, and you seem to be so passively standing by and even letting this happen in your own home.

How old was he? I’m sorry that happened to you and it’s still having an impact. Grooming normally comes from an imbalance of power. Two 15yos are on the same level here. I also haven’t seen OP say he has ever had any allegations made other than the one that turned out to be false. A lot of jumping to conclusions here that this teenager is some psycho sex pest, unless I’ve missed something, he just sounds like a teen going through a difficult time and needing some parenting and guidance

Stompythedinosaur · 02/07/2026 16:22

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:15

I do agree with most of what you say, but OP's boy is a nasty little sex pest who needs a sledgehammer. (Not a literal sledgehammer.) I would have lost all patience and be raining consequences down on his head like confetti. But I'm a very impatient person and have zero time for nonsense.

Edited

That's fair, I'm absolutely not defending his actions.

WhisperingHi · 02/07/2026 16:20

BrightPearlEagle · 02/07/2026 14:37

I want to but he has dual citizenship through me and holds an American passport.

I do think you're right that he's absorbing some kind of manosphere type content online. He's always had a lot of confidence, he's popular and well-liked, but at the moment that confidence seems to have tipped into arrogance. My DH and I are really torn about what to do.

We've talked about not letting him go on the hockey trip. We're due to go to America as a family anyway, we planned to meet him there, so it's not as though he wouldn't be able to visit the US. The reason we're considering it is because hockey is one of the very few things he genuinely cares about. We've tried taking away his phone and, apart from using his laptop for schoolwork, limiting his access to that too, but he honestly didn't seem to care. Nothing we've tried so far has really had any impact.

There’s your answer then. No America.

He can stay with grandparents whilst you have your family holiday.

He’s spoilt and arrogant and treats people like crap. He doesn’t deserve a sports tour.

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:20

Dobeebeedah · 02/07/2026 16:13

Of course he cried, said it was the girl. He is a complete and utter liar and so is the girl. He is on course to spend time in prison, I have seen this before (am an oldie). You need to recognise he is a liar and manipulator and stop pandering to him. Report his actions to the relevant authorities to get help tomorrow morning.

No hockey, possibly no family holiday either. A State school enrolment for September, no going out and about at all with his friends, no leaving the house without adult supervision. No tech at all, TV only with family, no free time in his room until bed time. No money, you pay for everything directly.

You need to be very very strict with him. Give him the boundaries he should have had before. All this until he goes to a State school in September.

It's going to be a very hard Summer for the whole family, but that is what it is going to take unless you want a criminal in the family later. The other children will be affected by his behaviour and if there are no consequences then they could easily follow.

OP is not willing to send Little Lord Fauntleroy to state school. I expect that Precious will get his trips, too.

Daisymail · 02/07/2026 16:20

ForEdgyHare · 02/07/2026 14:51

Stop with the me me me. Actually parent your child before he gets a serious charge and hurts someone
No hockey, no phone, no money. Until he learns to behave better

Spot on ☝️

PrettyPickle · 02/07/2026 16:19

@BrightPearlEagle Another thought occurs to me. Maybe a trip to a sexual health clinic is needed for the sake of him and the many girls he seems to entertain. Its a good educational and moral tool. I imagine your permission would be needed.

Not to frighten him, but because he’s having multiple sexual encounters but because he’s drinking, he’s already been involved in a police‑level safeguarding incident with a girl who made a false allegation. He’s behaving in ways that suggest he thinks he’s invincible.

A sexual health clinic will give him proper medical advice, explain legal realities around age, consent, and safeguarding. Assess whether he’s being pressured or is pressuring others. Provide confidential STI testing. Offer support around risky behaviour. It’s a wake‑up call, but a constructive one, not a punishment.

If you take him, you frame it as responsibility, not shame: “You’re sexually active, so you need to take responsibility for your health and that of your partners. This isn’t optional. This is what adults do when they make adult choices.” Teenagers shut down when they feel humiliated. They listen when they feel treated like someone who needs to step up.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 02/07/2026 16:19

I agree with every word @thelongesday. I cant believe people are suggesting he apologises to a girl who lied that he assaulted her. Teaching teens its ok to lie and manipulate just because someone hurts your feelings! Next time someone in that circle claims they were SA they wont be believed because of her actions, shame on her. I agree he needs more responsibility and part of that is having responsibility towards his team mates, so the trip shouldn't be used as a punishment. He doesn't sound like he respects anyone but he doesnt respect his own body very much either. That's makes you wonder if there is more serious MH issues at play here.

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:18

howdoidoitalone · 02/07/2026 16:16

Yeah no wonder he’s like this.

You’re beyond help. I feel sorry for his future victims.

Agree entirely.

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:17

Squidward2026 · 02/07/2026 16:15

Unfortunately I knew a guy like this who was deeply misogynistic. I was very innocent and he basically groomed me for months then coerced me into sex the moment I was 16. It took years for me to get over that but because it was 'legal' nothing I felt I could do or say or even complain about but honestly a lot of young girls (like I was) are such easy targets for this kind of predatory behaviour. I feel like your son might be putting a lot of girls in the situation I was which is shitty as hell, and you seem to be so passively standing by and even letting this happen in your own home.

OP is a wet noodle. For example, she says no way is her son ever going to state school no matter what crimes he commits. More fool her.

howdoidoitalone · 02/07/2026 16:16

Yeah no wonder he’s like this.

You’re beyond help. I feel sorry for his future victims.

Bridesmaidorexfriend · 02/07/2026 16:16

TheAmberKoala · 02/07/2026 16:13

Normally Id agree with you but OP hasnt exactly been clear about whats gone on here, and in other bits of the post. Im a bit concerned the girl may have been heavily pressured which isnt actually consent at all. Ive seen a very similar situation in real life.

Of course the boy could be entirely the victim here. He could do with some counselling or support about it. Doesnt sound like the school has supported him there?

Edited

To be fair PP has made a good point about any school would refer to the police if this allegation was made, regardless of parents wishes, so it’s probably a wind up anyway

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:15

Stompythedinosaur · 02/07/2026 16:10

UK courts don't (and can't) force children to engage in therapy. They can require therapy to be offered, but that's generally part of the family court system not criminal courts. Most of the therapeutic offer to young offenders is via offering support and training to the adults involved in the child's life (under the framework for integrated care) rather than direct therapy to the child, who largely isn't ready for that.

I agree boundaries and routines are helpful for most children, but balanced with connection.

Therapy is a great place to explore relationships with empathy, if that's what the person involved wants to look at. Therapy isn't there to punish to lead anyone where they don't want to go though.

I do agree with most of what you say, but OP's boy is a nasty little sex pest who needs a sledgehammer. (Not a literal sledgehammer.) I would have lost all patience and be raining consequences down on his head like confetti. But I'm a very impatient person and have zero time for nonsense.

Squidward2026 · 02/07/2026 16:15

Bridesmaidorexfriend · 02/07/2026 16:11

This thread is crazy

Unfortunately I knew a guy like this who was deeply misogynistic. I was very innocent and he basically groomed me for months then coerced me into sex the moment I was 16. It took years for me to get over that but because it was 'legal' nothing I felt I could do or say or even complain about but honestly a lot of young girls (like I was) are such easy targets for this kind of predatory behaviour. I feel like your son might be putting a lot of girls in the situation I was which is shitty as hell, and you seem to be so passively standing by and even letting this happen in your own home.

ToffeeCrabApple · 02/07/2026 16:14

We should have sent him to board, but it’s too late for that now.

How would that have helped? He needs more involved parenting, not less.

Dobeebeedah · 02/07/2026 16:13

Of course he cried, said it was the girl. He is a complete and utter liar and so is the girl. He is on course to spend time in prison, I have seen this before (am an oldie). You need to recognise he is a liar and manipulator and stop pandering to him. Report his actions to the relevant authorities to get help tomorrow morning.

No hockey, possibly no family holiday either. A State school enrolment for September, no going out and about at all with his friends, no leaving the house without adult supervision. No tech at all, TV only with family, no free time in his room until bed time. No money, you pay for everything directly.

You need to be very very strict with him. Give him the boundaries he should have had before. All this until he goes to a State school in September.

It's going to be a very hard Summer for the whole family, but that is what it is going to take unless you want a criminal in the family later. The other children will be affected by his behaviour and if there are no consequences then they could easily follow.

TheAmberKoala · 02/07/2026 16:13

Bridesmaidorexfriend · 02/07/2026 16:06

Yes I have no issue with that, but two teenagers had sex, one said he’s not interested and then the other began sending multiple messages, made threats of a false allegation and then proceeded to make a false allegation.

I think it’s ridiculous to then centre that girl as the victim in this because he didn’t want a relationship with her. Ok, he’s an arrogant teen, yes he needs to have it drilled in to be treating people with respect. But he’s not assaulted her and has been the victim of a false allegation. His mum didn’t believe him until the evidence showed he didn’t do it. Yet someone is suggesting he write an apology letter?

The girl is also making stupid decisions and needs her parents guidance around how to handle herself and understanding consent. But two teens having casual sex doesn’t then become a sexual assault because the ‘girl wouldn’t have consented if she thought he didn’t want a relationship’

Normally Id agree with you but OP hasnt exactly been clear about whats gone on here, and in other bits of the post. Im a bit concerned the girl may have been heavily pressured which isnt actually consent at all. Ive seen a very similar situation in real life.

Of course the boy could be entirely the victim here. He could do with some counselling or support about it. Doesnt sound like the school has supported him there?

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 16:13

BrightPearlEagle · 02/07/2026 16:08

He is not going to a state school, is that what you think of state schools ahaha.

He doesn't and that's why I am out of my depths at the minute

Oh, so you're not receptive to the nuclear option of sending him to a state school. From your response just now, it seems like hell would freeze over before you take away his nice cushy school life, even though he's already an abusive sex pest at fifteen. I get it - you're a weak parent, which is probably why he's been allowed to get into this state.

Nasty boys turn into nasty men. You're reaping what you've sown, and there'll be much more of this to come. I expect you'll be visiting him in prison in the future. Best of luck with it all.

ToffeeCrabApple · 02/07/2026 16:13

BrightPearlEagle · 02/07/2026 13:34

We have, he does not care about his phone or any electronics

How will he contact all these girls with no phone?

Cut him off. Ground him, remove access to money, internet, tech.

Make earn time spent socialising with good behaviour.

His dad needs a serious talk to him about respecting women.

Bridesmaidorexfriend · 02/07/2026 16:11

This thread is crazy

Stompythedinosaur · 02/07/2026 16:10

DimwittedSkater · 02/07/2026 15:56

If he doesn't shape up, he'll find himself attending court-mandated therapy. He's already been very lucky not to have been reported to the police by that girl's parents for under-age sex. If I was her mother, I'd have reported him in a second. Wouldn't have thought twice about it. And if he'd been 16, and she was 15, hell would have fallen on his head and he'd have ended up with a criminal record. And I'd have sued him in a civil court for damages, too, if he was 16 and she 15. That's possible. He would have to be accompanied by a parent and the parents would be responsible for paying damages. I'd have done everything in my power to punish him. OP is extremely lucky the girl doesn't have a protective tiger mother like me.

Edit: Therapy is the perfect place to address deficits in empathy, which he definitely has, judging by the way he treated that girl.

And it depends on the child re. punitive measures. Some respond well to strong boundaries. That's why going into the military has sorted out so many troubled young men. I suspect this is what this young man needs. Not the military, but some really strong boundaries.

Edited

UK courts don't (and can't) force children to engage in therapy. They can require therapy to be offered, but that's generally part of the family court system not criminal courts. Most of the therapeutic offer to young offenders is via offering support and training to the adults involved in the child's life (under the framework for integrated care) rather than direct therapy to the child, who largely isn't ready for that.

I agree boundaries and routines are helpful for most children, but balanced with connection.

Therapy is a great place to explore relationships with empathy, if that's what the person involved wants to look at. Therapy isn't there to punish to lead anyone where they don't want to go though.

LilOleMe2 · 02/07/2026 16:10

I will just say this
If a child alleges she has been assaulted, the safeguarding lead would HAVE to go to the police. It isnt up to the parents, it isnt up to the girl, they HAVE to do it.NO WAY would they be calling the accused/his parents who are not connected with the school. That would prejudice any potential investigation or proceedings. This is basic safeguarding - Page 1.

The fact that the OPs version of this matter is patently untrue, it throws into question the genuineness of the whole (already rather unlikely) thread

Loulou4022 · 02/07/2026 16:10

YorksMa · 02/07/2026 15:00

No way can he go on a jolly to the US. First, because he needs consequences. Second, because he can't be trusted unsupervised around underage girls. Third, because if he does step over the line in the USA (especially as he's a citizen), he could just disappear into their justice system because, as you say, they don't mess about. My feeling from what you've said is that he's absorbing misogynistic, manosphere content, despite what he says to the contrary. And if he genuinely hasn't assaulted anyone yet, he almost certainly will. Extreme sexism and misogyny are now being treated as radicalisation and extremism, with the resources to match. You might want to look into that.

Act Early Support Line (UK counter-radicalisation support for parents inc misogyny and manosphere): 0800 011 3764 / actearly.uk

The Prevent Programme: Contact your local council or local police (non-emergency 101) to ask for a Prevent referral for violent or misogynistic radicalisation.

Local Council Children’s Social Care: Contact your local council’s Social Services department for crisis youth intervention.

Beyond Equality: www.beyondequality.org (Working with young men on healthy masculinity)

Educate Against Hate: www.educateagainsthate.com (Government-backed safeguarding advice for parents)

This is great advice. My feeling is that he needs a referral to services to deal with his misogynistic behaviours!
I also think the US trip should be off the table! If he cannot be trusted in the UK he cannot be trusted in the US!

bigfishlittlefishtupperwarebox · 02/07/2026 16:09

You sound so passive on all of this - I still can't see a single consequence that he has experienced - and just because he has dual nationality that doesn't mean you can't cancel his hockey trip - you clearly just don't want to miss your own holiday at the same time. What is more important?