One thing a lot of parents seem to fail to realize is that there is another HUGE factor in parenting. The child. Every kid is different and some need very different things than others. Some kids are just a lot more challenging than others by their own nature. I know people who were perfect angels as kids and are now just throwing their lives away. I also know kids who were once absolute terrors and are now some of the nicest, most composed and good people I have met.  

From what I have read of him, he may need that quality time and love more than anything. I think there needs to be a fine balance between discipline and backing off and just nurturing. Too much discipline and a kid may see you as a harsh enemy and shut you out. Too little discipline and a kid can become unruly and spoiled. I have known people who grew up with both extremes and neither one yielded good results. I can imagine it must be so hard to tread that balance every day. This is why I really admire good parents.

There really is a lot of truth in the saying, "Foolishness is bound within the heart of a child". No matter how good your kid is, they will act up from time to time. And even really problematic kids have a lot of good potential in them. My brother had a lot of friends I really worried about growing up, but some of them turned out really well.

He may be a real challenge, but there's definitely hope for him yet. Just remember, when you look at him as an adult, you will look back at all these trials and challenges and say it was very much worth it.

No, I think parenting is just this hard. So glad to see that all is well and sometimes no punishment is the best discipline. All they need is attention.