Woodbury Reports, Inc.
Bonners Ferry, ID

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Mothers and Sons

December 30, 2013

On today's LA TALK radio show- Parent Choices for Struggling Teens with hosts Lon Woodbury and Elizabeth McGhee, their guest, C Lynn Williams, the author of "The Pampered Prince: Moms Create a Great Relationship with Your Son" explained the differences in mother's raising boys and what kind of strategies it takes to build a healthy relationship with their sons. As C Lynn explained "Often times what happens, is their nice, sweet little wonderful son walks through an invisible doorway (or as we call it- puberty) and comes out the other side as a quiet, sullen, attitudinal young man who won't talk to you and refuses to do what you ask him to do."

As moms, we forget to listen to our sons- we give them orders, "go clean your room, pick up your dirty clothes," etc. but we forget to listen to them. "My suggestion is to do things with your sons, things that you know they like to do. For me and my son, it is cooking. This is when your son will open up to you and talk about what's going on with them. This can also be the time the real feelings can come up…maybe not at one time, but with consistency in spending that quality time with your son, he will feel you are there for him and will open up."

The differences in raising daughters and sons is "women talk a lot!" We explain everything…and men do not explain, there is not a lot of explanation with fathers, but with mothers- they will go on and on. With boys, moms need to draw a hard line with their kids. If you put them on punishment for a week-end, you as the parent needs to stay there, cancel your plans, to make sure they are following the consequences you have given them. You are the parent, not their friend. If you are not raising them, the streets are or whoever they look up to, gangs, or other negative peers.

"When your son speaks, they say few words, so as the mom you need to listen intently, whereas daughters will say lots of words and will get offended if you are not making eye contact while listening. Boys do not need the eye contact. Pay attention and have time for them, be available for them." For some teens, they will only give you a couple of chances, so if they are reaching out you need to respond.

"A lot of moms will complain that their teenage sons don't want to be seen with them or to be given a kiss goodbye. I say- don't embarrass them. Let them grow up and be a man. You can get your kiss goodbye at a different time and place (away from their peers and friends).

And if you are a single parent (mom) as your son goes through puberty, they will often start to" feel their oats" and will only listen to their dad or a coach, I strongly suggest you find a male role model for your son…someone who is trustworthy.

Some strategies for parents and moms in reaching their sons:
Be available
Set boundaries
Spend time with just one child at a time (Do not break that time!)
Set a time frame to spend with your child- perhaps once a day (it's the time you are offering that child and what builds the relationship)
When they say "I hate you!"…don't take it seriously!


To listen to the full interview, go to Mothers and Sons on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Elizabeth McGhee is the Director of Admissions and Referral Relations at Sandhill Child Development Center and has over 19 years' of clinical, consulting and referral relations experience to her position and is the co-host.

C Lynn Williams is a veteran educator, speaker, workshop presenter and author of several parenting books. These include: "Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen- A Primer for Parents", "The Pampered Prince: Moms Create a Great Relationship with Your Son" and "Raising Your Daughter Through the Joys, Tears and Hormones". C Lynn offers a newsletter and a parenting blog and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

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We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air sponsorship during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens. If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Kristie Campbell at kristie@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550


If you know somebody (including yourself) who would make a good guest on our show and might be interested,

Contact Lon at lonwoodbury@gmail.com or 208-267-5550

Attention:

The following books are available on Amazon.com:

Part 1 - The Introduction to the Parent Empowerment Handbook

Part 2 - Single Sex Schools

Part 3 - Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Education