The teenager of the species

Agony aunt Mrs Hudson solves your dilemmas

QOur teenage son no longer wants to spend any time with us. We can just about get him out of his bedroom for long enough to eat, but he retreats immediately afterwards to play computer games or chat with friends online.

We don’t believe it to be indicative of an underlying problem as he’s perfectly sociable and pleasant when he comes out—he’s actually very good company—but it’s all we can do to keep him downstairs for long enough to ask how his day has been. Are we doing something wrong?

W. S., Leicestershire

AAs you have already considered whether the situation is indicative of something more sinister, no, I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong at all—other than worrying about something that is fairly normal behaviour in the teenager. I would be more concerned if you said your son was asking to help with the housework.

Teenagers are supposed to spend hours playing games and chatting to friends—it’s the modern equivalent of us riding our bikes all day with pals. It wouldn’t hurt him to get some fresh air occasionally, so do encourage this, but otherwise, as long as his homework is getting done and his sheets are being washed, leave him to it. Teenagers become young adults soon enough and become less appalled at the idea of spending time with their parents.

In need of advice? Email your problem to mrs.hudson@futurenet.com