How Common of an Interaction Is That Between a 13 Year Old Boy and His Mum?

When you have connection like this, mutual respect like this, it leaves a whole lot of room to parent to a completely different level. Think about the conversations you get to have as you help them envision their future and guide them into it. Be that person they're comfortable coming to if they are struggling with something. The energy saved in reminding and arguing, setting boundaries and consequences an increasing resentment and struggle and strife. Because if exchanges are often contentuous, all that energy wasted just to get them to do one little thing leaves no energy for anything more.