DS, 15, barely goes out. After school, gets stuck on the x-box, laptop, sometimes both at the same time. Bright, used to have outside interests and ambitions but now stays in his room all evening, all weekend.
Oh, I have tried so hard to limit his use, to get him out, to get him involved. DH and I work some evenings - have to - though I am looking for more day time work so I can only be out one evening a week.
DS pretty well friendless, certainly out of school. Only one lad comes round and DS has never been round his. We have an open door policy - have hosted parties - but DS's former school pals have melted away.
Not many, not really any, kids his age round here - live in a road full of older people whose kids have grown up. School some distance away so we encourage him to join things - not necessarily sporty groups. DS so reluctant, really gloomy about prospect of meeting anyone else, leaving the house to do anything other than go to school.
Have talked to school - to see if anything is going on there. Utterly hopeless - head of year couldn't have given a toss.
DS1 has left home (that is a story in itself) and DS2 (who is very gregarious, out a lot - almost the opposite problem ..) off to Uni in September.
I see DS 3 getting paler and paler, complaining of sore legs, arms etc (chiropractor, osteopath and optician, all of whom he's seen for various reasons over the months) all tell him to limit his exposure to the screens to 45 minutes and then to have a break. They would be gobsmacked to know it's hours and hours and hours on end. Windows, curtains shut.
DH and I talk of taking internet connection away - but reluctant until DS2 exams over end of next week. And the consoles etc. Have tried but DS3 got moodier than ever. I know that his moods with me, his anger, his criticisms are not really him. He was such a loving, chatty chap until a 2 years ago when DS1 made life at home very difficult and when, at the same time, DS3's friends started to ebb away - we know not why.
Anyone any experience along these lines? Any thoughts/ideas - please!!
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Lethargic son
4 replies
RoseWei · 11/06/2011 17:58
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