The almost teenager…

Lately, I feel very stressed. It could be that I'm piling on more than I can handle or it could be that my son is pushing every last button I have.

My kids have their own candy business and keep pretty busy with it. I help them with shopping, ordering materials and, once in a while, preparing their products . Each week they take their business to the local Farmer's Market and I sit there with them. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to help them learn about money and how business works, to the best of my ability. But each week my son has been giving me attitude and disrespect and, no matter what I say and do, he doesn't stop. This week I threatened to stay home from our camping trip because it's for his soccer tournament that we're going.

I feel like the only way he'll listen is when I threaten to do something or take something away. He almost always apologizes for his behaviour, but only after I lose my mind. He is almost a teenager and everyone tells me it's normal but at what point is the behaviour normal and at what point do I throw in the towel, so to speak.

I'm a strict parent and my son has actually thanked me for the structure we provide for he and his sister. They have many chores and we have high expectations for them. I'm happy he does well in school and is always excited to learn. He's well behaved at school and with other people...but why not with me?

I teach 12-18 year olds so trust me when I say, I understand attitude. Sometimes I wonder if my expectations are too high and he's getting overwhelmed but he likes to always be in control, and I won't stand for that. He's often reminded that he's not the parent.

Please tell me I'm not the only one feeling this way...