For nearly six years I was employed as a Social Worker empathizing with the plight of fellow mother’s facing the challenge of raising black males in fatherless homes. Oftentimes I found myself confused and anxious about how to cure the rebellious nature of my once sugary sweet son.

The blank stares that he would give me after being disciplined in what I deemed to be an appropriate and extremely effective manner confounded me at times. It took a while to come to the conclusion that I didn’t have control.

I asked his father if he was familiar with the mood swings and rambunctious behavior and attitude that plagued me on a regular basis. The response from his father was deafening and usually the same;

“No, he doesn’t do that at my house.”

*SIGH*.

I felt inadequate as a mother, but I had to find a resolution because my relationship with my son depended on it. I just did not want the streets to get to him before I could.

My sacred solution was to establish a consistent method of disciplining that mimicked whatever method his father was using in his home. I put my pride aside and relief came fairly quickly. We all know that it’s almost always in the best interest of a child to have consistent parenting whenever possible. If your situation is different in the sense that your son rarely interacts with his father or doesn’t have a relationship with him at all, you should try reaching out to any and all positive male influences in your son’s life. Recruit their support.

In addition, Big Brothers of America and Boys Club of America still prove to be very viable and often cost effective options if you’re looking for programs offered nationwide that provide constructive, character building activities for young boys and teens alike.

Words By: Sid Powell