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Question:

I'm a single parent of 2 teenage sons. I try to sit down everyday and talk to them about their day and their plans for the future. When I question my 14yr old son about things, sometimes he won't answer. When he answers sometimes he won't give me a complete answer. Is it because I'm a woman and he feel like he's not comfortable talking with me? I think my sons need a male role model to talk to and spend time with. Do you have an organizations that you can recommend to me for them?

Answer:

Teen boys are notoriously closed-mouthed when it comes to talking about big and small issues (see this month's article, "Raising Teen Sons .") The idea of a male role model who is not quite as close as their mother is a terrific one. You might start by asking any adult males in your family whom you trust--uncles, cousins, etc.--and otherwise, to look for a mentor outside the family. You can try?YMCA Resources for Families, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Teens in Action and Mentor programs and MENTOR.