Tearing my hair out!

[MrsTig]

Why do I feel that I'm going round in circles with my 15yr old son? All my good intentions about rational discussions re: homework, GCSE revision, how much time on World of Warcraft is reasonable and how much borders on OCD, getting up in time for the bus etc.etc. degenerate into yet another slanging match each time!
The conversation always elicits the response "Nobody else's parents switch the internet off/ make them revise every night/restrict how much time they have on games etc. (Apologies for the etc.etc. but I'll be here all night otherwise.)
I'm tearing my hair out.
Being 15, he's prone to huge rages and weepiness.
I also feel that many of the points he makes in arguments are valid and well thought out. He can shoot me down in flames.
My concerns are these.

1. He needs more sleep.
2. I think he plays on WoW too much.
3. I don't want him to be disappointed with his GCSE results.
4. I don't want him to wreck the house in a temper. (Replacement doors now number 3.)

Any suggestions/sympathy/empathy/rants about what an appalling mother I must be?) All gratefully received.

Thank you. We had to support him financially and pay for him to re-do the A Levels, but he promised he would learn to time manage and come up with the goods. It was hard to watch, sometimes, but I bit my tongue and let him get on with it. He was a late developer. Many boys are. It's so worth the wait. I actually miss him, now, instead of wishing he'd leave and get a place of his own. After years of heartache, we're good friends. He's funny, loving and has his self-respect back......and I'm now smiling.

I think I have something in my eye Mrs Tig

So pleased for you.

(Thanks also for updating us and letting us know that there is light at the end of the very long tunnel)

That is amazing, Mrs Tig' thanks for bringing us up to date. And congratulations ! What is he reading at Kings ?

Natural Sciences, Physics Pathway. You're all very kind. I hope his story gives a bit of a lift to anybody else who's suffering along with their teenagers. I'm very, very grateful for the support I received on here.

MrsTig that really is a heartwarming story for all of us who are in the throes of the teenage years. I have a DS1 who is 13 and DS2 who is 11. DS2 has diagnosed Aspergers: we've had a very tough few years but he has made a great transition to secondary school and has a statement to support behaviour. I believe DS1 is also on the spectrum and possibly has ADHD. He is an absolute nightmare and we are really struggling with CAMHs to get him assessed. Emails and calls from school are regular and no amount of cajoling, pleading, stern discipline and sanctions makes any difference. I am torn between seeing how hard he is struggling and extreme frustration that he is not able to take the support offered to him by us, the school and CAMHs. Mumsnet is a lifesaver in terms of understanding we are not alone and taking huge comfort from the wonderful mums (and Dads) who offer so much helpful advice and empathy. Thank you to all of you: I usually lurk but know I need to start posting to draw on all of the sound advice. x

All you can do is love them, Fiveyears, even during the times when you find you really don't like them very much. There will come a time when the light at the end of the tunnel is just that...and not another oncoming train. xx