A short-term fix would be to deliver some strong consequences. But the Active Parenting way would be to do everything to befriend your son. Immerse in his world — his shows, his books, his friends, his movies, etc. That way, you will be able to be his friend. Friends find it easier to take suggestions from each other. Ensure there are broad boundaries for conduct. Within that, do not micromanage. Try to avoid saying 'no'. Instead, give options so that your son feels in control. Try not to instruct. Instead suggest. For more on long-term parenting interventions, sign up into the Active Parenting community. Also, read Active Parenting.

Tell her stories! Stories of people who have overcome difficulties in life and created success for themselves. Tell her your own and your spouse's story of achieving success in life. Make her appreciate how privileged she is to have been born in a house with so much, and how important studies at this stage are for her to reach similar levels as an adult. Active parents don't push children to study. They build the desire in children to own their lives and excel. For more on long-term parenting interventions, sign up into the Active Parenting community. Also, read Active Parenting.

To start with, try and understand why he argues. You can only control yourself and your actions. So ask yourself what it is that you are doing that makes him argue. Try building a relationship with him that is one of equals. By immersing in his world, by being supportive, by trusting him with increasingly bigger responsibilities. Create experiences that are wonderful which both of you share — a trip, playing some games together, cooking a special meal together, doing some voluntary service, etc. Once you have earned his trust, he will start communicating with you. For more on long-term parenting interventions, sign up into the Active Parenting community. Also, read Active Parenting.