Many parents struggle with the attitude and ‘back-talk’ that comes with prickly teens. While some of us are spared from such challenges, many pre-adolescent and adolescent teens seem so sensitive that you can say nothing correctly.

When you ask a simple question about their day, the response is along these lines:

• “I’m busy. And it’s none of your business!”

• “Leave me alone!”

• “Ugh” (and other forms of grunting sounds)

• “Why do you keep bothering me?”

• “What’s wrong with you?”

• “Don’t bother me!”

• “Why are you always asking me questions?”

• “You’re so stupid!”

It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, what question you ask, or how you ask it. You seem to get an attitude unless your son or daughter wants something from you. Then, you get a response that sounds more like a human being. In fact, they can be “sweet as pie” as long as they are getting what they want.

While not every teenager goes........

© The Saratogian