Re: As a former clinically depressed child . . .
Submitted by Don on June 14 1999 at 15:37:50
In reply to As a former clinically depressed child . . . Submitted by Heather on June 13 1999 at 12:29:20
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Thank you all for your comments. I learned something from each of them. I have decided to take the personally frustrating path of maintaining the status quo of just having a blast with the kid and not trying to get into his head to much. He'll let me in if he wants to and when the time is right. It's time for me to stop feeling guilty that our fun times are not matched with equal amounts of time of serious converstaion about his emotions and feelings. Heather said, "So basically, I'm suggesting: (1) continue to make it clear that you're always available to talk to your young friend if he wants, but allow him to choose the timing of such conversations, and (2) encourage him away from self-centeredness (in the broadest meaning of the word) toward other-centeredness" Good advice.....isn't it sad how materalistic kids are these days. My young friend has to be wearing just the right stuff and spends so much money on cool clothes. At least he has his own job and it's his money. I'm going on a service project with him, and 19 other youth and adults, to an orphanage in Mexcio in a few weeks. I hope to see some changed attitudes. What better way to introduce my friend to "other-centeredness". Don |