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Lucas · 11-25-2006, 06:26 PM

My little brother turned 12 in September. He's a bit troubled I guess, doesn't really have any friends, gets in trouble a lot, kind of self centered. He also had some physical problems, he recently grew out of his epilepsy, and is getting braces (his teeth are quite crooked). Also, when he was a baby, was the time in our household where things got really bad, right before my parents messy divorce...tention and negativity were high, and I think he absorbed some of that negativity, as I can see it in some of his outbursts...that same sort of vibe from back then.

He is pretty ego driven right now, saying things that he doesnt really mean, but he knows will get a rise out of people. Recently he wrote a little...essay (for lack of a better word) in his room about how he wants to respect himself more, be a better person and be nicer to people, and hung it on his wall. This got me thinking about what I might reccomend him to start him on a personal development path. He looks up to me more than my parents (I dont yell or have an expectations), so I know that whatever I suggest he will take at least semi-seriously.

Are there any suggestions for helping him start on a path to growth? Reading or otherwise?

My idea was this: He expressed interest in a guitar for christmas (I play music, and he likes music), but my parents sort of spoil him, he has lots of stuff that goes unused, which he likes because of the image it creates (he thinks hes tough, heh). However, I have a nice beginner acoustic guitar that I held on to for a while (I never use it), for reasons unknown (maybe this is the reason). I thought maybe I could give it to him with the caveat that he must show me that he has been trying to learn it each time I come over, which is about once a month or so. I don't want to make it sound like he HAS to play it, but I don't want it to be another toy that looks cool that doesn't get used.

Any other ideas or feedback on this one?

11-25-2006, 06:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lucas Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 521	Personal Development for Children? My little brother turned 12 in September. He's a bit troubled I guess, doesn't really have any friends, gets in trouble a lot, kind of self centered. He also had some physical problems, he recently grew out of his epilepsy, and is getting braces (his teeth are quite crooked). Also, when he was a baby, was the time in our household where things got really bad, right before my parents messy divorce...tention and negativity were high, and I think he absorbed some of that negativity, as I can see it in some of his outbursts...that same sort of vibe from back then. He is pretty ego driven right now, saying things that he doesnt really mean, but he knows will get a rise out of people. Recently he wrote a little...essay (for lack of a better word) in his room about how he wants to respect himself more, be a better person and be nicer to people, and hung it on his wall. This got me thinking about what I might reccomend him to start him on a personal development path. He looks up to me more than my parents (I dont yell or have an expectations), so I know that whatever I suggest he will take at least semi-seriously. Are there any suggestions for helping him start on a path to growth? Reading or otherwise? My idea was this: He expressed interest in a guitar for christmas (I play music, and he likes music), but my parents sort of spoil him, he has lots of stuff that goes unused, which he likes because of the image it creates (he thinks hes tough, heh). However, I have a nice beginner acoustic guitar that I held on to for a while (I never use it), for reasons unknown (maybe this is the reason). I thought maybe I could give it to him with the caveat that he must show me that he has been trying to learn it each time I come over, which is about once a month or so. I don't want to make it sound like he HAS to play it, but I don't want it to be another toy that looks cool that doesn't get used. Any other ideas or feedback on this one?