My 21 year old son has got some public order offences against him over alcohol. Last week he stole handbag from pub. Keeps getting into trouble. Smokes cannabis at weekends. Works during the week. What do I do?

Does he live with you?

What does he say about all this?

If you are enabling him by providing housing, money, something else you stop and let him stand on his own two feet.

You can't make anyone do what they don't want to do. You can talk to him about changing his ways, but ultimately it's his choice.

Discipline him. You have to guide your son and should not tolerate misbehavior, wrongful acts, offenses, drug addiction, and all those sorts. Tell him that he ought to be ashamed of himself and that he's just hurting his reputation or name. Also tell him that you love him so much that's why you do not want him to do bad acts. Parents must always guide their child to go on the right path. Jesus always guides us so should parents too.

Discipline him. You have to guide your son and should not tolerate misbehavior, wrongful acts, offenses, drug addiction, and all those sorts. Tell him that he ought to be ashamed of himself and that he's just hurting his reputation or name. Also tell him that you love him so much that's why you do not want him to do bad acts. Parents must always guide their child to go on the right path. Jesus always guides us so should parents too.


Please - not everyone here is Christian. Not everyone has your belief system. I believe religious advice is inappropriate here.

The son is already out of control. Now what do you recommend? It appears to be a little late to "guide" and/or lecture him.

Visit him in jail on the weekends come to mind. He is a adult and you do not and should not really have to do anything. You don't pay his bills, don't allow him to do things under your control.