Motherhood: Mom-Teenage Son Conversations That Matter (3c)

Correcting Without Crushing His Spirit (C)

It’s a weekend night. You’ve told him already: “No video games after 9.” But at 10:15, you walk in—and there he is, fully immersed in his favorite game, headset on, acting like nothing’s wrong.

You call his name. He mumbles without looking up and says with a slight attitude, “I didn’t know weekends count too, after all I am not going to school tomorrow.”

Your heart sinks. The disobedience stings, but it’s the murmuring—the disrespect—that really hurts. After all you’ve taught him, it feels like he’s brushing your words aside.

Mama, this is the moment where your response matters most. Teenage years are filled with emotions, testing boundaries, and searching for independence. You may feel hurt, angry, or frustrated—and rightly so—but this is not the time to explode. This is when we lean into wisdom over reaction.

Take a breath. Remind yourself: you’re not just correcting behavior—you’re shaping a man.

Call him aside. Calmly ask, “Can you help me understand why you chose to disobey?” Let him speak. Then explain the reason behind your rules: “I give rules not to control you, but to teach you structure, discipline, and respect—because life requires those things.”

Apply clear, fair discipline:
– Take away the console for a few days
– Limit screen time
– Add extra responsibilities at home

Let him know these consequences are not out of anger, but love. Also correct his attitude: “In this house, we don’t just fix actions—we shape hearts. Talking back shows a lack of respect, and respect is key to becoming a good man.”

Then speak truth over him: “You are better than this moment. I believe in the man you’re becoming.”

And remind him—disobedience and disrespect don’t define him, but how he responds to correction will shape who he becomes.

Even Peter disobeyed and denied Jesus, yet he was restored and called to lead. And even Nelson Mandela, who turned to radical resistance in his youth out of frustration with years of injustice and oppression, later matured into a man of peace, wisdom, and purpose—one of the world’s most respected leaders.

Proverbs 29: 17 — Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

Are you correcting and disciplining your son in a way that builds trust—or just releasing frustration?