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He may think that he is less loved than his other siblings and is being a hard case as some sort of immature response to what he thinks is an unfair situation. Keep in mind that he is a kid, I am guessing a teenage kid, and it is unrealistic to expect them to think and behave rationally.
Middle kids do typically get treated differently. It is not a case of us parents loving them any less. It is just that it is human nature for us to be more affectionate toward the youngest. And, we give the oldest more trust and respect because, one, they have had more time to earn it and, two, they have had more time to become more mature. Unfortunately, the middle kid translates all this as meaning he is less loved, which isn't true. But, that really isn't the point. The point is that he thinks he is true.
You have a huge challenge but no one ever said parenting was easy. Certainly, you don't just let him fall. I mean, you didn't mention any of the really bad stuff some kids are doing --- stealing, selling drugs, gang-banging -- so I am guessing he is far from incorrigible.
Your challenge is, while still insisting that he follow the rules of your house, to convince him that he is just as much loved as his siblings. Telling him so won't help. You have to show him by actions that, over time, start to make an impression.
Figure out some recreational activity that he and you can do, together, with no one else, on a regular basis.
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