This will be a long one so thank you to anyone who reads it all...
My 13 year DS seems to have struggled with friendships since primary. He was accused of bullying by another boy in year 3 because DS was saying things that he considered to be banter but were obviously upsetting to the other child. I got the impression DS wasn't particularly liked by this class mates. We signed him up to a few online classes during covid about friendships etc but they made no difference.
His best friend (E) moved 2 hours away before the end of primary. Since starting secondary school my DS hasn't really made any new friends; he spends all his spare time playing online with E and with E's new friends from school. We've tried to encourage him to make new friends at school rather than only playing online with these kids who live far away. It was his E's birthday recently, and DS wasn't invited. DS made out like he wasn't bothered but I saw messages between him and another mutual friend where it was clear he wasn't invited on purpose (although the messages didn't say why). I know DS would have been very disappointed by this. I also saw messages between DS and one of E's friends where there were arguing. They were both being rude but I found DS's messages particularly offensive (in one message he said that he was 'in a difficult place and feeling sad' but I don't know if this was just trying to excuse his rudeness). He also called another one of E's friends fat. I assume this is part of the reason E didn't invite him to his birthday. We've always tried to teach DS to treat people how you want to be treated, and that there is a big difference between banter and just being offensive but clearly it's fallen on deaf ears. I think DS can be quite clingy and a bit suffocating in friendships, and if he thinks he's being ignored, he becomes rude and insulting. It makes me so sad that he's turned out like this and I really don't know what to do. I feel that talking to him won't make a difference and I worry he will end up with no friends at all. I'm wondering if counselling might be good for him but otherwise I'm at a loss 😟
Thank you if you have read this far!!
Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.
Teenagers
13 year stuggles with friendships
User125179313 · 08/03/2024 11:24
NoProblems · 08/03/2024 21:11
Sorry to read about your son's problems with friendships. It seems his nature and insensitivity are causing the problems. He might mature in the next year and be more careful. How does he get on with his parents? You need to have a frank discussion with him to find the root cause. He might have a particular problem he has not revealed to you.
Did/does E regard your son as his best or close friend? It would be a good idea to arrange for them to meet up from time to time at weekends.
Michiamo · 09/03/2024 08:36
Does your DS do any clubs outside of school? Music/cadets/sport?
I think sometimes these relationships are easier to develop plus as it’s usually a once a week activity there’s less pressure. Also good for teamwork etc.
Mushroomwithaview · 15/03/2024 19:52
I think we very often tell children to "be nice" or "make friends" but they do not know how to do that. I guess when we lived in a more connected society, either the friend group was ready-made or children could watch their parents socialise and learn from them. That often doesn't happen now. Some children genuinely do not know what it means to "be nice" and "make friends". It's not an innate skill for everyone. They need explicit instructions on how to do it.
waterrat · 16/03/2024 14:30
Hi Op - that sounds tough for your son and you - is it possible he is neurodiverse ? (my own child is and I recognise the struggles)
3luckystars · 16/03/2024 14:33
I agree with that. Would you consider an assessment?
muckcook · 16/03/2024 16:52
My son is 16 and is to some degree like this but definitely was the same as your son at that age
Would take rejection or banter very badly but would dish it out harshly. Not a winning combo
He does have ADHD but the diagnoses made zero difference to his inability to maintain friendships. A lot of the behaviour he has grown out of and does now have some friends but he's on the periphery with most of them
I'm hoping as he reaches adulthood he'll mature further and make more friends
KeenMintCrow · 16/03/2024 16:54
unfortunately, as many a mumsnet thread will testify, some people just do fundamentally struggle to carve out solid friendships OP
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.