I am 38 years old, and my husband is 46. We have two sons, aged 10 and 14. My older son is a swimmer and golfer, younger plays soccer and learns karate. Neither have eating disorders, mental health issues or chronic health issues. I am a more forceful person than my husband, who is calmer, more patient, and more tolerant than I am. I am also more gregarious and spontaneous than he is, and more comfortable displaying physical affection.
My husband has been a participative father, and has always done more than his fair share of pitching in with caring for for them, ever since they were infants; I have been the primary source of "authority" in their lives, and in charge of the academic and social areas of their growth. This was a mutual choice.
It seems to have resulted in the boys being closer to me than they are to him. Now that my older son is 14, this seems to be a cause for concern (for him) and a source of friction (for us).
My husband's take: at the age of 14, it is inappropriate for me to be hugging my son so often as it may lead to involuntary sexual arousal. It is unusual for me to know exactly what my son is thinking and how he will react to most situations as he should by now have a private life of his own (I will concede that there are things he doesn't tell me, but I'll also say that I know when he is hiding things). He should be starting to push boundaries and test limits, and indulge in risky behavior and he isn't doing that... this is abnormal, and perhaps due in part to my excessive level of involvement in his life. Overall, there is need for caution in this area.
My take: We have a friendly, respectful and healthy relationship. He has grown into a responsible and capable young man and I enjoy talking with him, whether that involves us both flopping in bed, slouching on a couch, or sitting at the dinner table. I believe there's no such thing as too much hugging or physical display of affection (he doesn't let me hug him as much as I used to anyway). I hug BOTH boys, and am constantly grabbing the younger one for a cuddle. And as for sexual arousal - I'm his MOM!!! Yes, it is natural, perhaps for a boy of this age to have a crush on his mom. The key word is natural.
We have always been open with they boys about their bodies, how babies are conceived and born, biological functions, etc. My older son does not sleep in my bed or sit on my lap. I prefer to spend time with my husband than with my son. There is no activity my older son and I do together by ourselves.
Is this a normal relationship? Do we have cause for concern?