My son is 15 and cares about absolutely nothing. He has been a manipulative charmer since he was a toddler. He simply refuses to do tasks (eg. homework) and simply takes whatever punishments given to him. We can strip his room of everything but his mattress and clothes, take away access to tv, phone, or any friends, and we can give him chores as punishment until the end of time. We have no other options other than beatings, which we of course are not going to do. I personally think he is a sociopath.
His mother and I sent him to a military boarding school for high school so they could "break" his will and make him conform. However, they find themselves having a kid who just won't do anything - give him pushups, marching in the rain, whatever. He just doesn't care.
He has been examined for depression - no. Psychiatrists have even become frustrated to where they don't even want to deal with him because he is such a headache.
Anyone else seen this? We are at our wits end
2007-10-23 05:34:41 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Disco Stu soon enough he will be a young man and his ways may change. Also if and when he gets involved with members of the opposite sex he will probably be more willing to do things. Positive reinforcers could be attempted rather than all the negatives that he has become used to. This may help him to alter his behaviour but he sounds pretty normal as a teenager. I hope for everyone sake involved that he soon break out of this habit but if not you may have another 3 to 6 years of this behaviour until he grows up and becomes a lot more responsible. Best of luck to all.
2007-10-23 05:42:21 · answer #1 · answered by crazylegs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SOunds like my boyfriend's 13 year old son. He has been diagnosed with depression, but there HAS to be something else going on, psychatrists can't figure it out.He has been to over 8 therapists. They refused to continue working with him because he just will not talk.Bu he can be a charmer when he wants to.He also gorges himself with food and weighs more than twice what he should. My BF coddles him and refuses to send him to military school or an inpatient program. There is a history of mental illness in the mothers side of the family. His maternal grandmother is a full blown sociopath, but 13 and 15 are too young for this diagnosis.I would consider inpatient evaluation for your son.He might have a cognitive problem that leaves him unable to understand cause and effect.
2007-10-23 12:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by eastcoastdebra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I'm a mom of an about-to-be 20 year old son, and my son did the same thing earlier. In fact, talking to moms of older sons I found out that it's not uncommon for some young men at that age. (My son was in his sophomore year in high school when it got so bad.) Those moms told me to keep helping them along, and that when they got into college (or about that age) they would take off. Some guys need to do it "on their own" and in their own way.
Putting him where he will be accountable to others is good; sometimes they need to hear it from someone besides mom and dad. Prayer is key, as well. Pour out your heart to God for your son.
You know your son better than anyone. Is there something that he really loved or enjoyed or enjoyed learning about? Give him the opportunity to spend some time doing that thing or pursuing something about that interest. It may provide the spark to get him started and back into life again.
And keep working on the relationship with your son. That is going to carry you both through this time, and will see you into the future together. You may be frustrated with him, but let him see your love for him and that you want only his best and will do anything to help him in that.
Sure enough, my son did "take off" his first year of college. He had done only the least required for as long as he could, but when it was all his doing and establishing his own life he took the bull by the horns and took off! He made straight A's and made the President's List at college, and made those good, hard choices we hoped and prayed he would for life.
HANG IN THERE! It's hard to see your son going through this, but keep supporting him and praying for him and loving him. The fruit is worth the work and wait.
2007-10-23 12:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by bestillomysoul 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you should take him with you and start volunteering at soup kitchens, make and pass out some lunches for homeless people, collect and give clothing/ supplies to a battered womens shelter, volunteer to walk dogs at an animal shelter. Volunteer your time at a local farm, visit old folks homes with cookies.
This will give him and you a big kick as to what life should be about. Most likely it will give him something to care about, and that he's making a difference in someones life. It will help your relationship too.
2007-10-23 13:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by slingin' smith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you work? why dont u try homeschooling him just keep him from everything his friend and everything let him wear only 1 outfit take away al his clothes and his bed i mean if nothing else works u gottaa do whatever it takes dont let him go outside to the store nothing! keep him inside. stay with him all the time it'll takea lot of time but i mean u have to drive him nuts sometime i mean comeone who wants to be with there parents that long maybe even sleep with him .lol. that'll drive him crazy and if he asks u a serious question just mock him i know its childish but it'll probably work. make him like clean the whole house and everything. tell me how it goes.
2007-10-23 12:48:43 · answer #5 · answered by Brittny G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you had him tested for psychological problems?
He sounds like my step son - he is a Asperger’s Sufferer, your son may also be a High-Functioning Autistic.
Have him tested!
2007-10-23 12:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by AussieLady 58 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever tried love? It is the only thing that you haven't mentioned.
2007-10-23 12:42:21 · answer #7 · answered by tysdad62271 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋