Anonymous wrote:As a mother, I am really struggling with this.
My high school son didn't acknowledge Mother's Day. I cooked him dinner that day and all he could do was show me some garments he was hoping I could patch the holes of.
My daughter called from college though, unprompted.
The son has also let his impolite friends talk crap about me for, say, reaching out to them to invite their families to graduation dinner.
I got a lot of flak from family members for paving the way for the son and his friends to spend spring break at a family property unaccompanied by adults. And these snarky kids give me crap.
The son also complains about me contacting his college for info on his student visa application so that we can start the application sooner than later so that I can book the plane tickets with confidence that the matricultion won't be botched.
I worry if I continue to be the helpful mom, I am creating an entitled a-hole.
I should just shrug my shoulders and not do anything?
It sounds like you are creating an entitled a-hole and you need to make a change. Don't just not do anything, find your backbone and intervene.
You should tell him what you told us. In a neutral tone, "It was rude of you to forget Mother's Day." It's your job to teach him manners!
If the kids were rude to you, definitely do not allow them to use the family property again. Obviously! Tell your son the reason and stick to it, don't give in. It's best for him to learn that behavior has consequences.
As for the visa, tell him that as long as you are paying for college you have every right to contact them whenever you want. If he wants you to bring him there, then this is what you have to do. If he doesn't like it he can stay home and go to community college. Grow a spine and stand up to your child. He is being ridiculous.