My 9th Grade Son Is Aggressive: Help!

Ans: Dear Sanjeev,
I will be surprised if your 14-year old didn't give you a challenging time.
Embrace this phase as a part of stepping into the peak adolescent phase where he is striving to establish his independent identity before stepping into adulthood.
You will see him talk back rudely, ignore you, challenge your advice, give you the silent treatment and more...

The best ways to tackle him is:
Be a friendly parent and not a friend to him.
Ask questions more than instruct him.
Listen to him patiently without any interruptions so that he feels heard.
Don't threaten to withdraw his allowance or change the wi-fi password; this will only make him rebel more.
Tackle his screams/rude talks or rebellious streaks with a gentle smile at the end which will leave him guessing.

A magic statement that always breaks the ice in any relationship is: 'What will make you feel better?'
At the end of the day, don't worry. He has been raised with the values of your home; he will turn around...but do keep an eye as this is the age of digital media and the temptations are heavy and more. So, if you see something that is fishy or dangerous, seek an appointment with an expert who can guide him appropriately.

All the best!

Ans: Most of the time when they have screen addiction,it's difficult for them to develop intrest in the alternative skills or studies. This can be due to less attention skills due to screen time. See what is he interested in apart from the screen addiction, help him develop hobbies which are of his interest and it can be sports too. This will help him to focus better on his studies too.

Ans: Dear Nafees,
Well, your son is at an age where his focus is getting validation from girls. And he's just doing that...
Is there a father figure or some male member within the family who can take on the role of stepping in as your husband is away? This person can help guide your son back where he starts to focus on academics and understanding that social circles are just part of his life and right now the focus must be on his studies...if he still does not change, kindly call your husband back for a few weeks to take care of the situation...the boy needs his father/father figure who can be firm with him and yet appeal to him at this juncture of life.
It does not mean that as a mother you can't do this...It's just that he isn't responding to you and that's why I am making an alternate suggestion...Make this attempt and see what happens...

All the best!