Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Very rude teen son

186 replies

ChristmasHound · 01/12/2024 09:48

Seeking some advice please. My (almost) teen son has become extremely rude and disrespectful towards me/his sibling and occasionally his Dad but mostly towards me. He’s begun to insult my appearance calling me “Megamind”, says how big my nose is, walks up to me measuring my forehead and has begun to say “you’re a big girl” and insults my teeth. (I’m only a size 10 and petite) We look extremely similar, same nose, forehead, teeth etc so I tell him he’s just insulting himself as we look the same. He also constantly uses how I have ADHD as an insult “ok ADHD” (He is currently being assessed himself for ASD and ADHD) He’s in a class with many friends who are autistic or have ADHD.

It’s a huge problem though and very waring. I just took his breakfast up to his room as a Sunday treat and first thing he said was “oh you’re looking like a Megamind today!” 🙄

OP posts:
madnessitellyou · 01/12/2024 10:27

“DS. I do not want you to speak to me the way you speak to me. I have no doubt you think it’s banter, but it isn’t. I also know if xxx in your class did that to you you’d be the first to complain you’re being bullied. And you’d be correct. Modify the way you speak to me or don’t speak to me at all.”

And act each and every time he does it. Phone, games console, lifts, whatever his “currency”.

ChristmasHound · 01/12/2024 10:30

MakemyTeaPlease · 01/12/2024 10:21

Does his dad stick up for him if you try to have consequences?

Strangely his Dad seems to think our son can do no wrong in my eyes. Like he could murder someone and I would stick up for him. His Dads answer when he’s rude is to call him a “horrible child” “vile little boy” “shut up” and he’s even told him to F Off. that’s when I intervene and tell him not to call him those things, tell him to shut up or tell him to F off and that’s when I am told that I’m always defending his terrible behaviour.

OP posts:
DoraGray · 01/12/2024 10:31

He should have had the breakfast on his head.

He doesn't sound particularly nice. I know he's 12 but adults who aren't particularly nice tend not to have been nice when they were 12.

That's ok. There are good and bad people in the world/

People who are not nice will not behave well unless they are frightened into doing so or there is something in it for them.

However, in your case you tried to get him to behave nicely by doing something for him-bringing him breakfast in bed-and that approach hasn't worked.

Try the other way. Toughen up. Do nothing nice for him, call him a few names yourself-that might work.

If it doesn't then you have tried both ways-being nice and not so nice and if neither works then he is just an unpleasant individual and will always be so at his core.

But whatever you do, don't make yourself a rub rag for him now because you will find that he will have no respect, no fear and as he gets bigger, that attitude of his could have serious consequences for you.

Anotherworrier · 01/12/2024 10:33

ChristmasHound · 01/12/2024 10:30

Strangely his Dad seems to think our son can do no wrong in my eyes. Like he could murder someone and I would stick up for him. His Dads answer when he’s rude is to call him a “horrible child” “vile little boy” “shut up” and he’s even told him to F Off. that’s when I intervene and tell him not to call him those things, tell him to shut up or tell him to F off and that’s when I am told that I’m always defending his terrible behaviour.

I’m sorry but your son’s behaviour really is no surprise. He’s in an awful environment with no consequences.

I know you’re having a tough time at the moment and I empathise but the problem here seems to be the parenting and the environment that he’s in. I’m actually starting to feel a little sorry for your son.

That’s not to say he doesn’t need consequences, he does. He needs a suitable home environment with boundaries and consequences, it seems you all have some blame here.

BettyBardMacDonald · 01/12/2024 10:33

You are serving breakfast in bed to a little disrespectful misogynistic brat? What the actual fuck?

He is raised to be the image of his father. Without severe intervention and counseling, it's probably too late.

BaklavaRocks · 01/12/2024 10:33

ChristmasHound · 01/12/2024 10:30

Strangely his Dad seems to think our son can do no wrong in my eyes. Like he could murder someone and I would stick up for him. His Dads answer when he’s rude is to call him a “horrible child” “vile little boy” “shut up” and he’s even told him to F Off. that’s when I intervene and tell him not to call him those things, tell him to shut up or tell him to F off and that’s when I am told that I’m always defending his terrible behaviour.

It is this foul language and disrespect between parents and directed towards your son, which has rubbed off on your son unfortunately OP.

Your partner thinks he can do no wrong because you still give him breakfast in bedroom when he's been rude to you...

Your husband needs to start being less rude and mean to your son, he needs to stop his use of foul language

Does you husband put you down a lot? Perhaps your son has learnt this from his dad. (Or - dad is rude to me, then I'm rude to mum..)

SuperfluousHen · 01/12/2024 10:33

Please don’t beg for better treatment.

You are already next to nothing in his eyes, don’t belittle yourself further.

He’s learned this behaviour from his father, and possibly also shares some of his father’s vile nature so you’ve got an uphill battle to try to reach him.

You can’t change his genetic makeup but you can change the environment in which he lives. I agree with pp. When you are living without dad your son will begin to grasp that you will not tolerate this behaviour. Then deal firmly and transactionally with him

  • you insult me = zero internet etc.

Never beg.

Pussycat22 · 01/12/2024 10:34

Anotherworrier i do hope not or just about ready to get rid.

BettyBardMacDonald · 01/12/2024 10:34

HollyKnight · 01/12/2024 10:26

I see his point - his dad gets to talk to you like that so why can't he. By still being with his father you are showing him that you aren't worth better treatment. Get rid of your husband ASAP and make sure your son knows it is because he treats you like shit. Hopefully it's not too late for your son to realise you won't be treated like this and find respect for you.

This.

I worry for you when your son gets physically larger than you.

lollypopsforme · 01/12/2024 10:37

Put him in his place let him know whos boss.
Or evey insult he gives send 3 right back to him.

ZeldaFighter · 01/12/2024 10:37

I learnt from SuperNanny how easy it is to criticise other people's parenting.

I don't know your child or your family but I have a cheeky neuro-typical 14yo DS.

My responses are:

  • Shout crossly and sternly tell him that kind of talk is unacceptable - wait for apology- remind not to do it again.
  • Immediate physical consequences - not give things, refuse to do jobs for him, refuse to help, etc etc- whilst explaining that I will not be nice to someone who is not nice to me
  • Send him to his room - you may not be with your family when you speak to me like that

As to DH insults you so why can't I- explain DH is married to you, not your son and your relationship is different

Hope this helps

Lotsofsnacks · 01/12/2024 10:37

All learnt behaviour from his pig of a dad (sorry that’s insulting to pigs)!! Leave your h and sooner the better. You can turn this around re: ds. Keep doing more of the same, as your last post, b strong and do not take any crap from either of them!! Consequences for ds every time. Do not feel guilty to the crying, he’s old enough to know this isn’t ok!!!

You’ve got to show him his words are hurting your feelings, every time he does this. And you need to start being stronger in front of arsehole dh when he calls u names in front of dc, every time!! U said on last post h was surprised by your strong actions and stern side, keep it up 💪

Pussycat22 · 01/12/2024 10:39

You got yourself a carbon copy of your enchanting abusive husband. Your son will go on to treat his partner in the same way and then there will be more fallout. Try to stop this situation perpetuating. I know I've been there and got rid. NOBODY is going to treat me badly if I can help it. Please, save yourself. x

MakemyTeaPlease · 01/12/2024 10:40

Your son has openly said that he wants the same privileges his abusive father has,

Abusive men often encourage children to abuse their mothers and it can be hard to discipline them when their fathers support their abuse. I think you have fallen into the trap of being extra nice to your son in the hope he will stop.

Your son is learning that being abusive gets him privileges like breakfast in bed and treats. Like a pp said, who gives a child breakfast in bed? And a rude mean one at that. Stop grovelling to him, stop the treats. This problem wont magically stop when you leave your husband because they’ll be having contact. In fact it might get worse so you need to find a way to deal with it properly.

You do not make breakfast in bed for people who call you names, whether that’s an adult or a child.

SuperfluousHen · 01/12/2024 10:40

Lotsofsnacks · 01/12/2024 10:37

All learnt behaviour from his pig of a dad (sorry that’s insulting to pigs)!! Leave your h and sooner the better. You can turn this around re: ds. Keep doing more of the same, as your last post, b strong and do not take any crap from either of them!! Consequences for ds every time. Do not feel guilty to the crying, he’s old enough to know this isn’t ok!!!

You’ve got to show him his words are hurting your feelings, every time he does this. And you need to start being stronger in front of arsehole dh when he calls u names in front of dc, every time!! U said on last post h was surprised by your strong actions and stern side, keep it up 💪

You’ve got to show him his words are hurting your feelings, every time he does this.”

How will this help?
He will just despise her even more.

He doesn’t give a hoot about her feelings.
What he cares about is having the internet etc.

Punish the bad behaviour don’t beg for mercy!

Alittlebitfluffy · 01/12/2024 10:41

ChristmasHound · 01/12/2024 09:58

I still gave him the breakfast as I don’t agree in taking food away but it’s a massive issue.

You're not going to change the behaviour when you reward it like this. Assert some boundaries! Let him make his own bloody breakfast of he's being a shit, he's 12!

Sidebeforeself · 01/12/2024 10:41

Can you not see what a mixed message you are giving him by giving him his Sunday treat just after he’s been horrible to you?

Your DH sounds awful but your behaviour needs looking at too. The son sees his Dad “ getting away “ with treating you badly, so is mimicking that. You have the power to change your behaviour though.

Alittlebitfluffy · 01/12/2024 10:44

BettyBardMacDonald · 01/12/2024 10:33

You are serving breakfast in bed to a little disrespectful misogynistic brat? What the actual fuck?

He is raised to be the image of his father. Without severe intervention and counseling, it's probably too late.

One hundred percent this. He's seen you tolerate this and roll over where his rather is concerned, so he expects to do the same. You're raising a clone of his father by not challenging this. Absolutely ridiculous.

jeaux90 · 01/12/2024 10:45

So he's learning it from your abusive DH.

I think there is some real dissonance on your part here OP to come on here and ask for help with this when you know the root of the issue is his father is modelling the behaviour he is copying.

When you leave your revolting partner make sure you tell your DS why. So he knows the behaviour is unacceptable and has consequences.

edwinbear · 01/12/2024 10:45

You change the password for the wifi. Give it to DH but not DS.

Brickiscool · 01/12/2024 10:46

Walking straight out the bedroom with the food and having it available for him downstairs in the kitchen isnt withdrawing food?

Explain to him that you don't like it, he must not say it and remove his phone every single time without fail. So rude once phone gone for rest of day.

Also a DH problem

EvilsElsasPetSnowman · 01/12/2024 10:47

I’ve just RTFT

Rather than punishing him for things that are not his fault - his scumbag dad and, sorry OP, a mother who does nothing about his horrible dad except undermine herself and her authority, are both to blame here - why not model good behaviour by leaving his dad or at least standing up from yourself and showing how unacceptable nastiness is.

Eyestothehorizon558 · 01/12/2024 10:47

I hope you took his breakfast away when he said that op!

His dad should be stepping in hard and stamping down on this behaviour, “do not speak to your mother this way” or “no one is disrespectful to my wife including you”.

And similarly, you must keep very calm, straighten up and look him in the eye op and say things like “speaking to me like that is unacceptable” and make sure you never respond to him when he is rude other than to tell him it’s wrong. Do not engage in back and forths. Leave the room. He does not get your attention full stop until he can speak decently to you.

And of course follow through with no lifts, turning off wi-fi, losing part of his allowance, more chores, or whatever you decide is fair.

Obviously, if he has ASD or ADHD, that will affect his impulsivity and his ability to assess how much he is hurting you, which all teens are bad at understanding anyway.

My daughter with ASD would sometimes “chase dopamine” by causing an argument or bait me when she was bored or couldn’t identify her own feelings, but knew she was angry or upset, but couldn’t express it properly. So allowances have to be made, but ultimately every child or teen needs to learn what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, for their own sake as much as ours. The outside world is not going to be as understanding as we are.

Another approach is, “if something is troubling you then you can talk to me about it reasonably and I’ll listen?”

Try and listen to the emotion behind the words and not to the words themselves.
Are they bored, frustrated with having too little control or responsibility, plain mischievous, trying to engage in power games, or genuinely upset about something? That will help you to choose your approach but the base line is that rudeness and disrespectful behaviour is unacceptable.

You can pause and take a long look at him and say, “you disappoint me when you speak that way” or “I thought you were cleverer than that”.

Sometimes you can use humour to deflect “yeah yeah my nose is at least six times as big as yours, now get your yourself downstairs for breakfast please”.

We have dds but once when my dd with ASD was really rude to me, my dh stepped in and said “your mother and I are going out” and I was half way through cooking dinner. Her sister was out, so my dd got left alone, with no dinner, and dh and I stayed out late, and that got the message through that being rude led to immediate disengagement.

Alongside that we pushed the message that if is she was unhappy about something, she had to speak to us respectfully and we would listen. Of course they need help regulating themselves, so they may not always get it right, but encourage even the smallest attempt to self regulate.

And you and his dad must be very quick to pick up on any tiny positive thing he does - can be hard at this age 😀 - and praise him a lot for it.

Look after yourself too op while this is going on, because it’s so draining and upsetting. Treat yourself to nights out. Exercise. Build up your self esteem so your are not susceptible to any ridiculous insults. Don’t take what he says to heart,

Take up hobbies you enjoy and makes you laugh. Confide in one trustworthy friend who won’t blab and has teens themselves. Go out alone more often and out more often with your dh. Bring your friends home. I’m sure you are not, but don’t give your ds any reason to believe that you are the little woman at home there to serve everyone else’s needs. Maybe hold off delivering breakfast in bed for a while while this behaviour is going on! 😀. Good luck.

SuperfluousHen · 01/12/2024 10:48

MakemyTeaPlease · 01/12/2024 10:40

Your son has openly said that he wants the same privileges his abusive father has,

Abusive men often encourage children to abuse their mothers and it can be hard to discipline them when their fathers support their abuse. I think you have fallen into the trap of being extra nice to your son in the hope he will stop.

Your son is learning that being abusive gets him privileges like breakfast in bed and treats. Like a pp said, who gives a child breakfast in bed? And a rude mean one at that. Stop grovelling to him, stop the treats. This problem wont magically stop when you leave your husband because they’ll be having contact. In fact it might get worse so you need to find a way to deal with it properly.

You do not make breakfast in bed for people who call you names, whether that’s an adult or a child.

This problem wont magically stop when you leave your husband because they’ll be having contact. In fact it might get worse ”

sadly I agree with this 100%

I see a relative’s son (8) emulate his father’s abusive behaviour, particularly after contact. The boy behaves like a mini-me of his dad (who he unfortunately idolises).

It’s a constant battle (and I mean battle) to try to re-set him twice a week and get him to behave properly and it’s not yet clear which way he’s going to go as he gets older.

WatchOutForBabyHaggis · 01/12/2024 10:49

I still gave him the breakfast as I don’t agree in taking food away but it’s a massive issue

And there's your problem.

The example he's getting from his father is obviously a huge issue. Your oh sounds like a vile pig and you need to kick him out.

But you are quite literally rewarding your ds's vile behaviour. Why, for God's sake? Until your oh is gone you might not be able to control how your child hears his dad speak around the house. But you CAN control your actions and reactions and you are NOT doing him a kindness by reinforcing his behaviour.

If one of my kids spoke to me like that they'd not only have their breakfast in the bin but they wouldn't see the light of day except for school for a fortnight and they'd have zero tech or WiFi for the period either.

And bollocks to the wet-wipe 'sit him down and kindly explain why his words are hurtful' approach. That's great for five year olds but he's TWELVE. He needs a short sharp shock, some honest facts and a clear message that his disgusting insults will not be tolerated for one second.

He's been unkind, used vile language and has verbally abused you. TELL HIM THAT. Ask him if people usually want vile abusive friends? Ask him if he thinks any girls will find that behaviour attractive? Tell him he's going to have a sad, lonely life where people avoid him if he doesn't change his ways.

Be fucking angry, not 'kind'.