My teen used to be such a nice boy but he doesn't listen anymore

Query: My 15 year old son has turned into a recluse. He thinks of himself as an adult who knows better than any of us. If we try to correct his behaviour or try to talk to him about things bothering us, he just shuts us out and says he doesn't want to discuss as we won't understand. He used to be such a nice obedient boy. Don't know what's got into him.
Response by Dr. Rachana Awatramani: There are various psychological changes in children when they enter their teenage years. Some of them are the ability to absorb the viewpoint of the world around them, sexual identity, and the ability to introspect. They are growing up in a world where they have access to a lot of information and knowledge. There is also a huge social pressure and as young adults they are also seeing the ability to make decisions.
I can understand that your son was obedient and now as he is 15 years old he feels he can make his own decisions and thinks that you might not understand him and his world. Honestly, there is a generation gap and as parents you can always say that you are trying to understand him and want to be there for him as and when he needs you.
His behaviour is like a regular teenage boy and you can not use the same strategies of parenting with him as you used earlier. As parents, I get that you are worried and concerned about his behavioral changes, therefore, I could recommend the following; First, plan some quality time as a family based on his liking and listen to him. Even if he feels you are not understanding him you can always say you are trying and would need his help to understand him and his life better. Second, Provide him with a teenage mentor or a counselor who could guide him and help him cope with various teenage issues, including peer pressure and help him build good relationships with parents. Lastly, Accept that your child is becoming independent and you will need to take a step back and will also at times need to see him making mistakes but be there when he needs you and make him aware of the consequences of his actions.
At any age for children, the house and parents are the safe space for them to always come back and be their true self. They at times need you to trust them and their decisions, however, being young they will make mistakes and your job as parent will be to teach them to take responsibility for their actions so that they can become responsible adults.
Dr. Rachana Awatramani is a Counseling Psychologist and Happiness Life Coach. She can be reached at http://www.rachanaawatramani.com