Feeling sorry for 17 year old boy

Nah, except the fact she wants to know every half an hour where his son is, and not letting him do anything on his own, the rest seems to be very normal. I do not remember I had right to stay out later than 10 pm when I had his age (if ever I had right to go out, lol) Concerning Christmas, I would also agree he should go in his family, Christmas is a family celebration, not a friend one. BUT, maybe he could negotiate to spend new years eve with his girlfriend, as this is usually celebrated with friends...he should maybe tell her mother "Ok I'm coming with you at Christmas, but only on the condition of spending new year with my girlfriend"

he has to wait for only 1 year, and he may live on his own. Anyway if he wants he can. I am living on my own since may age 16.

There could be any of a number of reasons for the mother's behavior. Perhaps she thinks that her family is living in an unsafe area and wants to make sure her teen is safe. Perhaps she is over-doing it - but unless you actually feel comfortable in ASKING HER why she is like this with her son, all your efforts to find out why will only bring speculation on your part and probably wrong conclusions. If you're trying to help this teen, you'll need to get all the information possible from both the mother's and the boy's viewpoint.

He should be greatful his mother cares enough to know where he is and who he is with. There may be extenuating circumstances you don't know about. Maybe he got in with the wrong crowd at one time or got into trouble some other way. Maybe his mom is not dealing well with the fact he will soon be old enough to leave home. He needs to show her she can trust him, earn her trust. Also 10PM is plenty late enough to be out. Any longer than that and he'll possibly be getting into trouble or things could get too hot and heavy between him and his girlfriend. He should go with the family and act like he is enjoying himself (maybe he will) and then ask to go to girlfriends for dessert that evening. He should ask now so that it can be planned that he will go with his family and spend time with girlfriend in the evening. Maybe as a gift to him she will extend time to 10:30 or 11:00. He could call the girlfriend in the AM before they leave. (And maybe the girlfriends family does not want him there after 10:00. I know I didn't want my daughters boyfriends at my house after 10:00.)

From what you say, she sounds a bit overly controlling. Still, there is always 2 sides. Truthfully, I make it a policy not to get overly involved in things like that. It doesn't sound like a pleasant situation but also it does not sound like abuse. The boy will be 18 before you know it. If I were you, I would not get involved.

Yes he is lucky to have a mum that is concerned about his welfare, there are too few of them these days. But she does need to learn to seperate herself and allow the boy to grow up as well. He is a young adult and needs to learn how to be an adult.