<p>Thanks for all the advice, from the ones suggesting that he get a summer job to checking out different colleges, etc. And the different contests that were mentioned sound very interesting … will definitely look into it.
Just a bit more of background … we lived in Central America until last August 08. He has lived in an underdeveloped country all of his life and my son has been exposed to all sorts of poverty around us. He used to volunteer with me at the local hospital, working with therapy dogs, and overall he is a very kind and conscientious kid.
I’m thinking that for next summer it would be good for him to spend several weeks in Guatemala and do community service there. We have family and friends there and this would re-connect him with his roots. </p>
<p>One thing happened to him at the age of 10 … I noticed he developed a facial tick which was later attributed to anxiety and stress (school related). At that point I made the decision to back off ( I had been a controlling parent) . He even told me when he was 11 " Let me suffer my own consequences … that’s the only way I will learn" !!!
He is liked by all of his teachers and classmates very much ( except for his Bio teacher who I believe feels threatened ).
I went to a talk given by Michael Thompson, MD . He wrote “Raising Cain” and his talk was fascinating. He was focusing on the dangers of pressuring your kids at a young age and how in the long run it can be detrimental. I heard this talk at about the same time that my son developed his tics, which contributed in great part to my backing off.
I guess I have very mixed feelings … at present more interested in emotional health than scholastic success. But don’t want to have him miss opportunities.
I will re-read all your advice and take the tips given. Thanks !!</p>