I'm looking for advice from those who have been through this 'stage'.
My 12 year old is refusing to participate in a sporting event in an activity that he is naturally very good at. He has competed in this activity a handful of times before with success, and seems to really enjoy it. He also does it for fun occasionally.
He loves competing in anything, has won medals in this activity and has been recognised by his school for it.
Initially he was keen to sign up, but now he's saying he can't be bothered, only weeks after the last time he competed. The more I encourage him, the more he digs his heels in.
This is the same response as he has been giving a lot lately, particularly with school related activities. I'm a little worried that his choices are being influenced by his friendship group; particularly as none of them participate in this activity. I don't think this is the sole reason though.
What am I missing, and what can I do to make him see the benefit to him, not just in this?
Please don't say respect his choices. This is also the way he reacts when I ask about school work. I cannot allow him to actively choose to disengage with some things. This activity seems like something that would be easier to try to get him to do than a subject he doesn't enjoy. If I can successfully convince him of the benefits to him, maybe I could help him see the benefit of the other less fun things, such as school work.