Worried Parent: My 18-year-old Son Is Being Controlled by His Girlfriend - What Can I Do?

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!

Ans: Instead of focusing solely on convincing him that the relationship is wrong, try having an open, non-judgmental conversation with him. Express your feelings not as criticism but as concern. Let him know that your worry is about how this situation could affect him in the long term. Acknowledge that he may feel strongly for the teacher, but gently help him consider the broader implications: the possibility of public scandal, emotional harm to all parties involved, and the consequences for the teacher’s family.

It’s also important to encourage self-reflection. Ask him how he envisions this relationship progressing, knowing the teacher is married. Sometimes, when people are asked to think about the future rather than just the present, they begin to reevaluate their choices. Reassure him that your goal isn’t to control his life but to guide him toward decisions that are healthy and sustainable.

Your wife’s silence could stem from uncertainty about how to handle the situation or not wanting to alienate your son. It might help to have a conversation with her separately to align your approach as parents. Together, you can provide a balanced perspective that supports him while helping him understand the potential fallout of his actions.

If your son remains steadfast in his decisions, consider involving a neutral third party like a counselor or therapist who can help him explore his emotions and reasoning in a safe space. Professional guidance can sometimes open doors to insights that might be harder to accept from parents alone.

Ultimately, your role as a father is to offer guidance and support while respecting his autonomy. Remain calm, loving, and present, showing him that your concern comes from a place of care. Even if he doesn’t immediately change his perspective, knowing he has your support could make it easier for him to reconsider his choices when he’s ready.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
As a mother you are only trying to protect your son. So, find what you can on this woman and yes, your son needs to be shown that he is just being played and is another one of her 'boys'. Maybe then he will come to his senses. In the meantime, as a family try to surround him with love and a lot of care. He is only experimenting outside by rebelling at home OR he could very well be searching for some validation and attention outside. Give that attention to him at home and that will help him circle right back.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/