angry teenagers

[jamilla]

I am at my wits end with my 11 year old who shouts, swears, breaks things in his room, threatens to hit me( and i've now samcked him having said I never would) and hates me when I disipline him for coming home late being disrepectful etc). I guess alot of his anger is based on my difficult divorce from his father 5 years ago who had bipolar disorder but I don't know what to do and feel things are escalating.

my very angry dd, (14) goes to relateen. It's councilling specifically for young people who live within broken homes, (ie, father doesn't live with them)

Look up Relate and it's an offshoot of them, free and confidential for child, you don't go with them.

Hope you can find some support

I don't have a teenager, however I am reading two books which are (a) easy and quick to read, (b) full of lots of positive, realistic suggestions of how to handle your children's behaviour.

They are:

Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph (will help you to understand your boy better as well as giving advice on bringing him up)

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen (there's also a teen version) - I was a bit at some of the advice here as it's very non-traditional, but I and many others on this website have found that it really works.

Don't underestimate the impact of growing up with a parent who has a mental illness - especially bipolar disorder, as this can create emotional chaos in the home (I don't need to tell you that). I would consider this a 'special' circumstance which may need professional input to help ensure that he works through any issues. The pro input may be for you or for your son - or both. I'm not sure. But it would be very reasonable for you to seek extra help with this aspect of bringing up your son.

Best of luck and HUUUUGE hugs to you.