Why Do Boys Ignore Their Parents?
Years spent as teenagers represent a difficult time for boys as they grow into men because it involves various expectations that could leave them fearful and uncertain about their future. As they enter the teenage years, boys could become confused, isolated, vulnerable and depressed. The prospect of becoming a man can be quite scary to them. According to William Pollack, a psychologist at Harvard University, while boys exhibit bravado on the outside, they may be dealing with crisis on the inside. The crisis can leave a teenage boy confused and full of fear that no one understands his situation. A teenage boy can resolve to ignore his parents on the assumption that they do not understand him.
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Freedom
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Teenage boys can ignore their parents to communicate their need for freedom. The teen years is a period when they go through hormonal changes and need to adjust to these changes. A teenage boy can ignore his parents to create his personal space. This does not call for you to condone his behavior, but rather to understand your son. He is calling for you to realize that he is becoming a man. He is seeking to force you out of his way and will use anything at his disposal.
Perception
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As they grow, teenage boys begin to view the world in a more realistic manner. They develop their opinions regarding the ideal parent based on their friends̵7; parents and parent/child relationships they see either in the media or in their daily lives. Their demand for perfection from their parents leaves them with unfulfilled expectations in their lives. They will try to stand up for their ideas, a view that they believe to be right. While they may appear to be rebellious when they ignore you, the real issue lies in their perception of you.
Adjustment Problems
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Teenage boys living in female-headed homes are likely to experience peer conflict and personal adjustment problems leading to aggression. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine studying prepubescent boys aged between 9 to 12 years established a link between the absence of a father figure in a home and antisocial behaviors or aggression. According to the researchers, boys raised by mothers only encountered stress, which makes them feel helpless and hopeless. The study indicates that boys without a father figure are likely to suffer emotionally and encounter difficulties in forming relationships. They may exhibit verbal and physical aggression toward their parents, or they may ignore them altogether.
Self-Esteem
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Teenage boys with low self-esteem tend to connect poorly with societal rules and norms. In the journal, "Reclaiming Children and Youth," Adrea Hendel, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical coordinator with Volunteers of America, points out that problems with self-esteem can be brought on by school or performance-related issues. It can result in the boys becoming arrogant and conceited. Teenage boys with low self-esteem tend to seek recognition through negative behavior, and may associate with peers with similar behaviors. During the teenage years, boys tend to decrease their communications with parents and increase interactions with their peers. If the wishes of their parents conflict with those of their friends, teenage boys are likely to ignore the parents.
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