How are you going to guide a male teenager?

By the time they are teenagers, you have pretty much taught them all you are going to. From around 16 to 18 all a parent can really teach them anymore is how to think for themselves and how important self respect is in making decisions... and the most important thing (although your actions prior to their teen years has probably already taught them this) that no matter what they do, they are welcome in your home.

I hate to tell you this but trying to guide a teenager is kind of like trying to herd cats, pretty much a pointless exercise. I have four children, two of them boys, and their father was not around for them, either. All you can do is love them, try to keep the communication lines open (and that can be pretty hard), and know who their friends are, paying attention goes a long ways. Try not to let what they say to you hurt very much, they'll get over that meanness eventually. And good luck! Parenting is the hardest job anyone ever takes on. And the most important.