My son has gone to live with his dad because I can’t cope with his behaviour

DEAR DEIDRE: MY son has moved in with his dad because I can’t cope with his behaviour and don’t know how to help him.

He’s 17 and I split up from his dad four years ago. We still have an amicable relationship.

I’m 37 and work hard, holding down two jobs to keep our heads above water.

I trusted my son to look after himself in the evening when I went to my cleaning job, but a friend told me she’d seen him with some boys who cause trouble.

She thinks he might be part of a gang. He has changed and seems so angry most of the time.

I’ve tried to talk to him but he shuts down.

I called his dad in desperation and our son’s gone to live with him for a while. He’s quit his college course.

His dad says he’s quiet and stays in his room, and when he tries to talk to him he gets aggressive.

I don’t know how to help.

DEIDRE SAYS:  Talking to him with his father, explaining that you aren’t there to judge him but want to help, may encourage him to open up.