About Nelson Mayer Expertise I can answer any questions you have related to parenting. I am a parent of 4 children ages 2, 5, 6 and 10 years old and I am also a social worker. I have my BSW and BA with a major in Psychology. Most of the courses I took in University were related in some way to Child/adolescent development.
Experience I am a parent of 4 children ages 2, 5, 6 and 10 years old. In addition I have my BSW and BA with a major in Psychology. Most of the courses I took in University were related in some way to Child/adolescent development.
Education/Credentials As stated BA with a Psych major, and a BSW.
Question I have a 10 year old son who is a great kid, but of late, some changes are occurring that I'm concerned about. I keep thinking it just might be the age just like all kids seem to learn the word "NO" when they're two, but I'd rather these concerns be confirmed and possibly receive some examples of how these issues were overcome.
The first concern is the "I know" issue. Every time I ask him to do something, he'll ask what I mean or how to do it (supposedly so he does it my way the first time) but as I begin explaining, he says "I know". But then he usually doesn't do it correctly if it gets done at all.
My second concern is his recent indifference to just about everything. He has been up till now a bubbly funloving kid. He still portrays these qualities...but only occassionally. More often he seems distracted or just not interested in much of anything. We've tried sports, dancing, chorus, trips to the desert to ride quads, but everything is just so-so. Nothing seems fun.
He's received more than enough lectures on both issues and we're actually trying to lay off of those more figuring it might be an age thing. We've also sat down a few times and asked for input, having a good discussion about how we know he's a great kid and this evident change concerns us. We've asked for his input and received none.
I could give additional examples, but hopefully this will be a good start. Thanks for any suggestions or some good reading that might lead us in the right direction.
Answer You sound to me like your doing a great job with him. Your right it is normal behavior for his age and it is tough for us when our children begin to pull away in this manner. Have patience with him regarding the I know issue. Just keep guiding him back into the right direction and don't focus too much on his mistakes....acknowledge the effort he is putting in. I also think its great that you guys are sitting down and trying to figure out what his interests are. I agree with you that hobbies are very important for kids. Perhaps you may want to get him to try a few thinks out like beginner classes just to see what he likes. Perhaps for now he is content with video games but I think if you keep searching with him he will select something. One tip I would advise is to present him with several options that he may have expressed previous interest in and let him know that you want him to take one but you want him to be a part of selecting it. Perhaps this would motivate him to select something and give it a shot. What he needs the most at this time is to know that you guys are patient and accepting of who he is....trust me he will come around...Good luck
