Teen Son

I have a 19 year old who was very similar. However, we worked on finding his passion and it turned out to be music. We got him involved in music, supported him with lessons, equipment, and concerts. It wasn't long before he found other kids with the same interests. He blossomed after that and has since also gotten very involved with politics (another passion). He's now a freshman at UNT majoring in pol-sci and minoring in music. He's got a pretty broad scope of friends and is always on the go...

I agree with the other reply to find another counselor, but I would strongly suggest you find out what his passion is and push him. It will help him find others like himself...

I can tell you love your children deeply. I know there are just some boys who are shy and to tell you the truth, I think that is okay. It's great that his sister and him are very close, that is a relationship that will last for the rest of their life. I have a cousin who is similar to your son, he's now in his 30's. He never got into trouble, and is a successful adult with his own family now. He might come out of his shell more in college. You can try youth programs at church. I think he's very intelligent, a lot of guys his age start getting into trouble and become rebellious, be happy your son is smart enough to not hang with them and stop that behavior. I wouldn't worry too much, put it in God's hands.
God Bless!

i think I would get a different counselor to see your son-someone he can connect with. Depression can be serious in teenagers and he seems to be withdrawing a lot from activities and friends he has enjoyed in the past. You might also see if he might be interested in some volunteer work-it can help raise someone's self esteem by helping others. You might take it on as a family project so he has some comfort level with you being there. Good luck!

Hi E.,

If you know a family that has somone your sons age that YOU think would be a good friend for him invite the entire family over for a dinner or BBQ. I find the more you invest time and energy into the entire family getting together it can be very positive. Look on your calendar and make a plan to invite some quality friends over soon.

I hope this idea is helpful to you and your family.
R.

My son is twelve and is like that, he's extremely shy but loving and very well mannered. He has friends but not many & I chose to think it's because he chooses wisely, he says the other kids are imature or mean and I believe he's just beyond his years in maturity. He went through puberty at ten. He does have friends at church also & I think if it weren't for our church "family" he wouldn't be as sociable as he is. If you live any where near Crowley please visit Assembly of God church, we have a great youth group, it's small but they're all loving and welcome any visitors with open arms. 731 S. Crowley Road 76036 Youth meet on ____@____.com please bring the entire family on Sunday mornings @ 10:45 am, We also have a girl ministry classes & royal ranger for boys on Wednesday nights @ 7pm

As I was reading what you wrote, I was hoping you were part of a church or would be open to finding one because being a part of a youth group makes you feel like you have a second family. Good luck to your son and to your family.

You might try getting him involved in a youth program at church. I have a daughter that went through something like this and it really helped. My daughter got involved in the choir and went on the high school mission trip which helped the most. Sometimes helping those less fortunate is the best medicine too boost self confidence and self esteem. Good luck, I know it is hard!