I could really do with some feedback from other mums who have 15 year old sons. He's a lovely, polite boy who is doing really well at school but he is really lacking confidence socially. His self esteem is so low I really don't know what to do. He was bullied at primary school (something we didn't learn about until after he'd left....he's a very private young man) and I think this has made him feel unsure about being in groups and meeting new people. He used to be a scout, used to do trampolining, did his DoE bronze award last year at secondary school. But I think he did all of these things only because either friends were doing them or to please his mum and dad. Little by little he's doing less and less outside of the home and he spends most of his time in his bedroom. Secondary school has seen him grow but still he's not wanting to do much outside of home. Just today he said that he doesn't want to do aikido which he's been doing for a few years. This was his last 'out of the house' activity. I understand that he's a teenager and going through angst but I just don't know how to help him. He has a few close friends but they never get together outside of school. They chat sometimes online (I think.....but not always sure he actually joins in the chat. He says he sometimes just listens in). I really feel pretty rubbish as a mum because I don't know how to help him feel good about himself. He says that other people think he's boring and he doesn't feel like he wants to spend any time with anyone. He has a select few friends but as said he doesn't see them outside of school. He's becoming more and more insular and I don't think he's particularly happy honestly. He has a little brother who is only 9 who he is brilliant with. Patient beyond patient, but he is also influencing him. He doesn't like sport which is his choice but our 9 year old is sporty but has decided he doesn't like football anymore because big brother doesn't. I'm worried for both of them. I don't want either to feel under any pressure to be something they don't want to be but I'm struggling to help both be who they want to be. Maybe I need to let things happen and chill more..I don't know
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