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AIBU?

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AIBU to worry about my teen son?

3 replies

Team187 · 04/08/2026 20:55

I am really struggling this summer holiday with my 13 year old son (just finished year 8) and getting him enthused to do anything! He doesn't want to go anywhere or do anything much and is happy just mooching around at home, gaming or watching tv. Of course I understand he is growing and hormonal and his sleep pattern has changed (e.g. wanting to lie in every morning until at least 11am) so I appreciate he will want to enjoy some down days but I am finding it very boring just staying in every day. He is too young to be left all day I feel and I don't really want to leave him anyway. I've offered so many options for days out that I think would appeal like a theme park/ adventurous activities and offered to invite a friend but he is just not bothered. My other worry is that he just cannot be bothered to make any effort to meet up with his friends. We have a park over the road but apparently there is no point going there now, as the goals have gone. We had an abroad holiday last week with his cousins but even there he wanted to lie in for hours. Is it just an age thing? Should I be worried? Any tips? Thank you.

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Octavia64 · 04/08/2026 21:01

Totally normal.

Itsthewoluff · 04/08/2026 20:59

It’s utterly normal. Ds was obsessed with gaming at that age and was miserable on holiday, but he’s pretty normal and social now.

SunnyRedSnail · 04/08/2026 20:57

In Y8 my DS had restricted gaming time. No exercise/fresh air then no gaming.

He has now finished Y10 and still can't have his phone til he is up and showered then I lock his phone and computer a couple of hours until he has done some exercise or gone out or something.

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