I Need Ideas to Help My Teenage Son.

I think a lot of it is the age. I would recommend you read some books on boys and especially preteen boys. There is so much going through his mind and body. You might better be able to work with him once you read about what most boys his age go through.

I in no way mean for that to sound derogatory. I think that all moms raising boys need to do some homework. We are so different from the opposite sex and our young boys who are turning into men need moms who understand them more than not. These are tough times for our young guys.

Blessings!

P.S. One book I read was THAT'S MY SON by Rick ????

Dear D.,
My son is 15 & was getting bored with some of his school friends; he even suggested us moving to another state to make new friends since I lost my job of 32 years & things have really gotten difficult. I couldn't buy him the things he wanted, nor the clothes he was hoping for, so I splurged one day & got him a top of the line computer hard drive to replace his old one. He started playing a game on the computer & has made son really nice friends who meet up everyday after school on line only & they play the game. As a special treat, I bought him the headphone system so he could talk to the kids who play the game ONLY. No one else can get on unless they are part of the game clan. You can hear their whole conversations, so I know its safe! He has some new friends all around the world who play & it's been very good for him. He's home every day after school, & is laughing & enjoying things again. Don't know if this would help & don't know what your thoughts are about on line gaming, but I'm OK with it & as long as I can hear him laughing & playing, then I know it's a good thing. Let me know if this is something that might suit you & your son. I could guide you through it, if you think it's something you might want to try.
Good Luck,
Karen

I do not know what your son likes so I can't make any suggestions on what he can get involved in...however...you say you do not believe he would hurt himself but at the same time you basically said his personality is changing (becoming shy and less confident). I would watch and make sure your son is not becoming depressed because if so, he may need professional help. Have you tried asking him if there is something he would like to get involved in? Music lessons perhaps?

See if there are activities - floor hockey, indoor soccer etc. - that will be starting up in January, either in your community or the n'hood where he goes to school. Tell him he has to at least try it. Some communities have a teen drop-in center or something like that. The Y's have some activities sometimes. Can you invite a friend over from the old n'hood and have them do something fun. I don't know if laser tag is still popular or maybe a movie. Does your church have teen activities that he'd be open to? This is a tough age for kids sometimes. Just your caring will help. You're a good mom to see this and look for answers. Good luck!

Why not try an extra curricular that he could be involved in after school and meet new kids...
My kids attend Anita's... it's a dance studio, but they offer a great drama program. Drama classes have brought out the very best in my kids, and there are a LOT of boys at the studio as well. The kids are compiled of all sorts, and all get along liek a great big family!
May be worth a try! Check out their website at
www.anitastheatredance.com