Mark,
I tried to swear off giving advice for these types of off-topic issues, but I can't hold back on this one. It just hits too close to home. I basically agree with the last two (previous) comments. I was a real loser - bad grades, bad work ethics, sneaky, and all the other crap a kid can be. I was so lazy that my dad often said he had to lay down beside me just so he could see what I'd look like if I stood up. But, all I want to say is that the unconditional love and support are well worth the effort. Many kids that don't seem like they'll ever amount to a hill of beans turn out quite successful, quite happy, and most important to you - end up being good people who love their parents. Your son is in the most mixed up, uncertain time of his life. He needs support more than an assbusting. You need to unwind a bit and ride the wave. It will only settle out on his terms. There isn't any beating sanity and reason into him. It will only drive you apart. I'm not saying to turn him loose to the point he has no respect and no source for direction and advice - just don't expect him to be much more than what he is for awhile. It just takes time - Time you can either come to enjoy or hate. Trust me, it gets better. I once thought my dad was a tyrant and an idiot. I now understand he was both a saint and a genious. You'll both look back on these troubling times and laugh one day.
