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Father Disappointed That Son Quit Football
Q: My 12-year-old son has quit middle-school football. His father was a very good football player and thinks our son should continue to play to learn discipline. Our son has worked hard and attended all of the practices, but he hardly gets any game time. He's not very talented. He's more interested in his skateboard and hanging out with friends. I don't feel he should be pushed to finish, but his father thinks he is a quitter and worthless. I think he's a typical 12-year-old, but I'm unsure if just giving up is the right thing to do. What should I do?
A: Perhaps you and your husband can reach a compromise. Since football season is almost over and your son has participated in all the practices, he could finish out the season and that would soften his father's perception that he is a quitter. I would also encourage his father to learn from his son something about skateboarding and the skill it takes. Perhaps they could watch some skateboard competitions, or your son could enter some competitions and the family could come out and support him.
Learn more by reading When Kids Want Out of Afer-School Activities.
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Connie Collins, professional school counselor, worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher and counselor at the middle school and secondary levels. Collins worked daily with the parents of the students in her various schools, and has facilitated several parenting groups.
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