Dear Annie: My 17-year-old son, "Mason," has been in and out of trouble for the last two years. He's gotten into two fights (one which he started) and flunked three classes. Last year, he got a girl pregnant, and the child was put up for adoption. I also found out that he hit a girl during an argument. He's wrecked his car twice. He lies all the time. I recently found naked pictures of him on the home computer.

Mason is not a terrible teen. He has a job, and he paid for his car and uses his own money for extras. He is a senior now and is planning to enlist in the military after high school. I think the military will be good for him.

I hate to admit it, but I can't wait until he leaves. It's over a year before the start of boot camp, and I don't know if I can take it. Although things are fine for a while, I always know the other shoe is going to drop. Living like this is really stressful. What should I do with him? --Waiting To Be an Empty-Nester

Dear Waiting: You should get him into counseling. Mason may be financially responsible, but he is an emotional train wreck. The military will teach him discipline, but if there are underlying personality problems, boot camp may simply present a new set of difficulties. Your doctor should be able to recommend someone, or you can discuss this with Mason's school counselor.