In dire need of help?

They're teenagers. To them you're always almost entirely the enemy, you need to realise that. Look, be straight to Jared, you need to let him know that you acknowledge the fact that you're not his mom;yet, his real mom dis choose you to be their guardian so that must account for something. And I think that mabye because that late incidents were just intentional attempts to piss you off, you need to relax. Start by giving them what they want, yes it's that easy. Jared has lost his parents, and he fears mercedes would lose him too so he feels overprotective of her. I think that's what worrying him, she might start thinking she doesnt need him and he feels like hes her only family. Just give them a little more freedom and a little more respect, they need to start feeling like they're being treated like adults. And don't worry:), your'e a good mom, fate well eventually turn you all around into better days. Good Luck.