Question
How do I know if I'm doing a good job as a parent? I get very discouraged at times. I have two sons ages 12 and 10. My 7th grade son seems very self-centered. I'm afraid he will never get over this self-centeredness. My husband passed away 1 1/2 years ago. I travel for work. I try to be firm but my personality tends to be easy going. I have daily expectations of the boys (homework, pick up their own belongings, take care of the dogs and on weekends do one job to help out around the house). My 7th grader yells at me a lot. He is constantly negative at home. His teachers and leaders at church think he's great. He makes all B's at school. I'm having health problems. It may be depression. However, when I'm away from the house (at work, church, with friends, away from my 7th grader) I usually don't feel depressed. We suffer through the weekends and can't wait for school to start back on Monday. What do I do about my sons lack of respect for me? (his tone of voice, constant back talk)
