My son has isolated himself from the rest of the family and has shown a lot of disrespect. What do I do?
—Submitted by user
Dr. Kevin Skinner
LMFT | CSAT | Clinical Director
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Our 16 year old son was caught doing inappropriate things on his phone. He had been caught before, was warned and more restrictions were put. This time it was worse. One of his friends created an account for him and it jeopardized my husband since the phone is in his account. My husband is so upset because he says my son feels no remorse or he doesn’t seem sorry. This morning my husband told me he is seriously considering just giving him a flip phone. I really don’t want to go to that extreme. I think with more restrictions and more guidance he will be okay. I’m just worried this will drive him further away from us.
Jenna Riemersma
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My 13 year old daughter has undergone a worrying change over the past year. She used to be very helpful around the house without being told, she loved piano and would push herself to do well (even compete), and she enjoyed soccer. Now we try and try to get her involved in anything, she digs in and refuses to do anything. What can we do that won’t seem naggy or pushy?
Jenna Riemersma
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Our 15.5 year old son has locked himself in his room for the past 6 months. He comes down to get food only if I (his mother) am not around and he only eats in his room. He locks his bedroom door and will not anyone in. He will not talk to me but will talk to his father and brother, but still only a little bit. He has punched holes in his walls. He has failed some of his classes. He will not talk to a therapist, though my husband has tried to get him to. What can we do?
Jenna Riemersma
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Newly navigating Sensory Processing Disorder with my 5 year old. He needs more input than his teacher can focus on in our church preschool program. I’m considering pulling him out to homeschool. Is it more important for him to practice regulatory skills in a social setting, or to be where someone can support his needs?
Dr. Kevin Skinner
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I think my 17 year old son is in a codependent relationship. They have been together for 1.5 years. They’re together at least 5 hours/day and the rest of the day they text each other. When they fight he suffers and gets panic attacks. I’m concerned because he is going to College soon and I’m afraid he is going to give up on school to stay close to her. How can I help?
Dr. Kevin Skinner
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