The combination of having to accept his father's absence, followed on by resentment and a feeling of being judged by others (for his father's actions) can lead to some deep insecurities.
There's will also be a feeling of envy at having to be amongst others who will be talking about their fathers in a more positive light.
This can result in a young man feeling bitter and becoming very angry.
It's difficult because it's as though you are serving a sentence as well.
The worry is placing a burden on your shoulders because you seriously fear that the lad will follow in his father's footsteps.
Your are a concerned parent, trying your hardest to direct a young adult away from a life of crime.
Are you punishing this young man for his fathers mistakes? The answer is....No....You are punishing him because you fear he'll do the same.
Deep inside, you fear the prospect of him following in his father's footsteps.
You are trying to help and there's no straight forward way of handling this. What can you do?
There is an option worth considering.
This young man may share the same characteristic traits of his father. A reason for your concern.
The anger, the frustration, the lack of trust, the yearning for adventure and a hidden intellect.
There's a constant desire to express that 'pent up' energy. What happens to a bored, frustrated young person who can't channel that energy into something constructive?
With time on their hands, a mixture of negative emotions and boredom can lead to behaviour that is not always in their best interest.
Does the lad have a job? Go to college? Do sports? Night classes? Have other hobbies, interests?
If the young man shares the same traits as his father, boredom (due to lack of stimulating activities) will be a considerable enemy in your quest to help him.
Tell the young man exactly why you are imposing these restrictions on his freedoms and explain to him your fears.
Try not to be threatening or 'giving an ultimatum' just yet.
The temptation to say...."If you want to live under my roof, then......" Will only result in him storming off in a bad mood.
It's worth raising the issue of counselling for his anger. Though it may be a challenge encouraging a sixteen year old to agree to this.
An option worth considering. Try to encourage the lad to do activities outside of home to encourage focus and channel that energy towards positive goals.
This could be an incentive to relax your restrictions and allow him more freedom.
The young man will soon become a fully fledged adult. In future. He'll be responsible for his own decisions. Whatever anyone else says.
It's a huge worry for you. However. There's only a certain amount of help and encouragement you can give.
Whatever help you provide. However many different suggestions or sources of help you turn to, there's only one person who can really help. That's himself.
