Ok, it is an acceptable observation that boys tend to speak lesser than girls - at least with mine. However, I noticed that my son (now 14) has  started to response lesser to us in our daily interactions. And yes, they are rather petty things like  a simple, "Son have you had your medication?" or "Are you in your room?" or "Taken your bath?". Unless reminded frequently, it would take me at least 4 times of repeating the question or raising my voice before I get a response  :(

Am i alone, any parents with similar challenge?

Most parents of teenagers would add that it is normal and blame it on part of growing up. Is it really that normal and would our tolerance condone their behaviour? I can and will  accept the idea of teenagers not wanting to share too much with their parents and needing their private space while they are working out on their identity - it's their season. Hence, the occassional you-don't-understand look on their face that basically spells leave-me-alone. Sure, we give the space and try subtly to reach them somehow. But not responding to my simple questions as above? I could not tolerate and will not excuse them on the basis of teenhood.  It's plain rudeness and lack of respect. Such behaviour, we must make it a point to correct at all times. It is slow but from our perspective, an essential task to help remind our children the need to recognise and distinct between what's really acceptable and what's not.  Blaming teenhood for all their unacceptable manners and activities make me an irresponsible parent. Of course, the approach to handling the issue is altogether another issue.