letting ur son be his own person, how far do u let the go?

He's an individual. His life's his own. Providing he's not commiting crimes etc, what's the problem? And being 'his own person' could mean anything. Everyone's got the right to be the best they can, to be who they were meant to be.

Piercings, hair and clothes are all very personal to an individual. They want to style or dye their hair - big deal. Same with the other two. A person needs to express who he (or she) is. It's all about personal choice. Let him think for himself.

This is the thing that worked for me, If I had something to say I said it and walked away! I found the more I nagged the more he shut me out! If he asked my opinion I gave it and that was that! Yes there were things that he did to express himself that drove me nuts but I allowed it as long as he did not break the family rules or house rules. He never went out, if he did he was always on time or he called to tell me he was going to be late! Be patient, calm, and listen. Keep talking, you may think they don't ever listen but they do!