my nephew just turned 13 recently and has been really down he has started junior high and is just so withdrawn and my sister (his mom) asks him whats wrong and he just says nothing but clearly there is something going on and we are all not sure what to do?....
2007-02-08 05:06:48 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
He is a very active kid in very good shape plays on a hockey team
2007-02-08 06:07:40 · update #1
As a teacher and a once cranky adolescent, I have seen that this is very common in middle school aged kids. It's such an awkward stage in life and he might be experiencing that. Perhaps he's having problems at school, socially or academically. Kids might be picking on him or, if you know that's not the case, he might just be bummed because he feels different for some reason. It's really hard to break kids out of this slump when they are in it because they feel they are just destined to be depressed for a while. The best thing he can do is be around his friends a lot, because they are usually who can get him to chipper up. Also, it would help if your sister said something like this to him, "I know you're feeling pretty bummed lately. Life can be hard and unfair sometimes. I don't know what's causing you to be down, but I'm here to listen if you want to tell me about it." If he does open up to her, make sure she doesn't make comments about how it was hard for her when she was kid, just make sure it's all about him. He might just need someone to listen to him. Best of you luck to your nephew! :)
2007-02-08 05:19:09 · answer #1 · answered by Heidi 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Tough age, he's entering puberty and may be confused about how he feels. It may be that he is just overwhelmed with having to do so much more in junior high. He may not have very many close friends, his studies are difficult and he feels useless or in many cases he is being picked on. Give him time to settle in and approach the subject again if it continues.
If after a point, it needs to be addressed and he won't open up no matter how hard you try, talk with one of his teachers. They may be aware of a problem and may be able to help. Talking with his friends or the friends parents may also provide some answers. If nothing works take him to a counselor.
I wouldn't be overly concerned until something else starts happening (hates going to school, becomes violent, poor grades etc), most times it will clear up on its own.
2007-02-08 05:55:22 · answer #2 · answered by trojan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
13... The first thing that comes to mind is, are there any men in his life that could be abusing him? Sorry, that is just the first thing that I would question. Next, could he be feeling inadequate around girls at this age. You know, is he maybe wanting to ask a girl out and doesn't feel like he's good looking enough? And last, could there be drugs involved? Good Luck. I've got two teenage daughters, and am always dealing with the depressing time of life.
2007-02-08 07:23:43 · answer #3 · answered by Angel L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Justa thought, alot of teens don't like to tell anyone what's wrong. Right now, avoiding embarrassment controls every move. Also jr. is a pretty stressful place.Maybe there's girl trouble? Let it go for a little while and see if it works out on its own.
2007-02-08 10:22:29 · answer #4 · answered by Off the Key of Reason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you spend time with him? Maybe somethings going on in school. Maybe you should give him a little time and if he still doesnt say anything, try to talk to him. Tell him that nothing is wrong with telling you the problem.
If he still doesnt respond, just let him alone, maybe he needs to work this out by himself.
2007-02-08 05:22:17 · answer #5 · answered by Suzuki 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that possibly he is being teased or bullied at school. Not uncommon. Junior high is difficult! Who is his favorite Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent? Plan a weekend with him, grab lunch and a movie he would like to see, question him about school, what is his favorite class? How is he doing in his classes? Will you be doing any sports? Any GIRLS he is interested in? Anyone giving him a hard time? I'd bet he gives hint of what makes him sad.......
2007-02-08 05:15:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
give the school a ring and ask his head of year to keep her eye on him see if there is anything going on at school or it might be a girl or hormones Ive got a 14 year old omg he is so grumpy good luck x x
2007-02-08 05:57:37 · answer #7 · answered by andrea.barrett36 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to him see if he has had his heart broken by some girl at school or if he is being teased at school. Depression is common in younger teens get counseling if he needs it.
2007-02-08 05:25:04 · answer #8 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the child is depressed---see if he will talk to someone closer to his age to get answers---if not then maybe try getting a psych. therapist to talk to him---too many teens hide feelings inside and then go and do something harmful to themselves or others
2007-02-08 05:10:35 · answer #9 · answered by Bailey 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i would take him to a counselor.....that is an age when we all start feeling weird with our body changes and perhaps he just needs someone to talk to, but doesnt want it to be family....he might just grow out of it, but he could have problems with depression that could be addressed by seeing someone
2007-02-08 05:10:23 · answer #10 · answered by Huh? 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋