My DS is lazy, witless about the house, a good student, and with a great moral compass. He's suffered a couple of terrible years, depression, threats of suicide - seems to be getting more balance now after 2 years of therapy and just the passing of time getting through the vile years from 14 to 16.
I'm interested in helping him grow up further, both practically and emotionally, and wondered about sending him/letting him go on a volunteering trip abroad this summer. He'd get to see people far far less fortunate than him; feel useful and do meaningful work rather than 'just' studying; he'd be doing something exciting and challenging that will build self-esteem; and he'll need to wash his own socks.
There's the opportunity for him to go to Laos for a month to teach novice Buddhist monks English and Maths; he's keen to go.
Its a long flight H'row to Hanoi then change to Loas. There is a good volunteer base in Laos which would take care of him/collect/house him. He'd share a house with other volunteers.
Would you let you child do this? Do you think this kind of experience might be good for him?
thank you