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<p>A slug? He’s 13 and in 8th grade and he’s only managed to reach (almost) reach Eagle Scout, become a great student, class president, and participate in 3 sports? </p>
<p>As the father of 4 boys, 18, 16, 14 and 12 the best advice I can give you is encourage him as others have said. At the same time let him be a kid without the stress of structuring his life for the next 8 years and the expectations that these are decisions he must make now. </p>
<p>Half the people I knew in their 20’s were still trying to sort out what they wanted to be when they grew up. The best thing a parent can do for a child is to help a child discover what opportunities are out there; and then help facilitate some of the choices should they express interest. </p>
<p>The best preparation for a Service Academy is the same for life, growing up with the knowledge and security that your parents, your mentors, teachers and coaches, will support your choices and will love and respect you regardless of the path you ultimately choose. Your son will undoubtedly come to know and appreciate your expectations for him, but the choice and the path must be left up to him to achieve. </p>
<p>Lastly, don’t underestimate the capacity of a young adult to sense the subtleties of your encouragement, you don’t want them to say yes to things to please you when planning their life for them.</p>