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Anita writes:

<< As my son is 11, I haven't had experience with how people treat teens. I
do know that many use different standards for kids than for adults. >>

Bear in mind it's only my observation, but in many years of observing, I
haven't seen too many exceptions.

At your son's age, I'd like to suggest that, if you're not already, perhaps
you could consider finding a volunteer activity you enjoy and find important,
that your son can 'tag along' on and help out with, and maybe be inspired by
at some point. Few things can get a kid more engaged in the world than
finding out his/her efforts really do count, really do make a difference, and
really are appreciated, even when the work being done is not something you
would have expected him to be interested in. An organization with good
volunteer management practices (volunteers are equal to paid staff in value,
are regularly appreciated both publicly and privately, are expected to act
professionally, and are given performance reviews, etc) is an especially good
place to start, if that's available to you.

Then he would be ready and confident and have references for when he wants to
strike out into activities he chooses for himself. I have found that with
most people, if the child acts sure of him/herself, that people will respond
in a positive manner. Assuming, of course, that sureness is not simply
arrogance, but brings with it respect for others :)

Holly
hjshaltz@...
HJS Studio and Shaltz Farm Shetlands and Angora Rabbits
List Mom, [email protected] and [email protected]

Anita Bower

Holly wrote:
>>At your son's age, I'd like to suggest that, if you're not already, perhaps
>>you could consider finding a volunteer activity you enjoy and find
important,
>>that your son can 'tag along' on and help out with, and maybe be inspired
by
>>at some point.

This is a good idea. He did some volunteer work for a local organization
as part of earning a Webelo Scouts badge. He worked really hard and was
very much appreciated. I suggested he volunteer on a regular basis, but he
was't interested.

Interestingly enough, lately I've been thinking we might both volunteer
together. Though, that day he enjoyed doing it on his own, with me reading
in the waiting room.

Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA

"There are many will claim to tell you what is due from you, but only one
who can shear through the many, and reach the truth. And that is you, by
what light falls for you to show the way." Brother Cadfael in "The Devil's
Novice" by Ellis Peters.