Helping child find a "passion"

BfloGal
Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:27:58 +0000

Reading these posts has bummed me out a bit-- I have a 10th grade S who is passionate about nothing except the 1000s of songs he has in his iTunes library. His iPod is constantly in his ear. He does play guitar (takes lessons) and seems to enjoy it, but I would not say it’s a passion (otherwise he’d play for hours a day). At least he doesn’t complain when I ask him to practice (and sometimes I don’t have to ask, but that’s rare). He also likes skateboarding, but what kid doesn’t? Academically he’s not working to his potential, and we’ve just found out he has ADHD-Inattentive type, so going forward we need to figure out a plan for him. What bothers me most is that he’s perfectly content to sit at home all day on a weekend and play video games. He won’t seek out friends (but if one calls, he will want to go hang out.) He does not do any sports and is not in any clubs (sports and clubs are for “geeks”). We’ve had him tested by multiple medical professionals who say he’s mildly depressed and has generalized anxiety, but he flatly denies it.

How do I get him to participate in life instead of spectating? I’m afraid that if I just sit back and do nothing, he will be a victim of his own inertia.

Thanks. :(