Quote Quoting lsloman
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I have taken away my son's privileges, video games and allowance as punishment when he initially started to refuse to speak to his father. What should I do? Keep him grounded? He is a really great kid. Good grades, respectful of his teachers, and helpful at home. I have asked him to speak to his father and he says "no". He isn't 5. He says that he wants nothing to do with his father because his father belittles, yells and disrespects him. If he (father) doesn't show him respect, why should he (son)?

I have always been the mediator with them. I never speak badly about my ex husband and have always pushed for them to have a good relationship.

I am not denying him access to his son. But at 13, I can take my son to the airport, but he has stated that if it comes down to it, he will not board the plane. This is the only challenge I am having with him. Making him have contact with his father. In all other areas, he is a model child.


Textbook answer. And, frankly, something of a parenting fail on your part.

(Let me clarify: you're allowing your son to disrespect you. Every time you tell him that he's going to do A, B & C and he refuses - like he's doing here - he's flat out disrespecting you.)