Quote:
Originally Posted by Sea Dangles
My oldest boy has already informed me that he will not grow up to be a fisherman like me. I think it was in spite to tell the truth.
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Probably not spite, Chris...........more likely teenage impulse. They all have to separate from their parents and they do it by resisting or crossing you. They do it by breaking rules and creating conflict to prove to themselves they are in control (even when they're not). Since they have lived with you all these years they know exactly what buttons to push to provoke conflict.
It is really hard with the first teenager, until you understand what is going on. For those going through this the first time, there is a book called "Get Out of My Life: But can you drive me and Cheryl to the mall first?" by Thomas Wolff that I found extremely helpful in keeping me from killing my first son (very easy, funny, but valuable read). The trick is to get through those years without destroying the relationship with your kids (which is not what they really want...even though it seems like it) or driving them into destructive behavior.
Pretty good chance in 5-6 years your son will look forward to fishing with you. Even if not, if the both are you are comfortable about it you will have done a good job as a parent.