Book recommendations for 14 yr old boy needing help with socialising

[anneyc]

My 14 yr old son finds it difficult to start conversations or keep conversations going, he's frightened of saying the wrong thing or sounding stupid, particularly when meeting new people or people he doesn't know very well. I'm sure this must be a common feeling amongst boys of this age (or, lets face it many of us) but he feels that all his friends just chat away with out any awkwardness, and he has asked for some advise about how to overcome this. Does anyone have any recommendations of self help books aimed at teens for this, my advice to him doesn't seem to be very helpful [hmmmm]! thankyou!

Bit of an odd suggestion but get him to try How to Win Friends and Influence people.

Practise with him. My ds have the same problem (w adults esp). We practise general chit chat - asking questions us good as it gets the other person to talk.

Thx for the book suggestion- will have a look, I've heard of it but assumed it would be aimed at adults...

We've suggested the 'ask them questions' .. it's always a good fallback as people generally like to talk about themselves!

Have also suggested reading news articles (aimed at kids) to give ideas for things to talk about but he thought that was wierd
I think it's been too long since I was a teeenager!
I was hoping there would be a good book aimed to help socially awkward teens, he asked if I could get him one....

There are plenty of suggestions on line for books but I couldnt tell you how good they are. Maybe you could try some out?

Its always easier to talk to others if you have an interest in common - some interests eg football/gaming are more widely shared of course. What's he interested in?

Please do remind him its normal to feel like this and it will get better as he gets older.