I am worried because my son doesn't go out and mix with friends. He likes to stay at home and be online all the time. In a way it's good he is at home and out of trouble but shouldn't children be out of the house, doing things that are done at that age? Plus, online is not such a safe place to be... How does one wean him away?

Ans: Dear Vihaan,
A few of us love being social butterflies and a few of us love the company of ourselves. I am not about to box anyone as an introvert of extrovert as we can switch from one to the other according to varying situations.

You son maybe one of those people whose social battery drains being around people, He perhaps doesn't need to socialize in order to feel good or happy. And you perhaps worry either because you see his peers being all out there or maybe because you are a very outgoing person.

As long as he is happy and is focused in academics and does not display behaviour that is detrimental to his mind and body, just let him be. There's a lifetime to be in social circles and he will blend in when he feels necessary, And if you must want to help, so that he 'socially connects', you can facilitate visits to places of his interest. No need for anyone to start a discussion for him as that will make him feel socially awkward and he will detest being with people altogether. I understand your concern, but there isn't anything to worry about unless he withdraws completely or isolates himself. It's all good and natural...

All the best!

Ans: 1. Try going out as afamily, where families have similar age children.
2. Enrol him for an activity/sports class, that he is interested in, around your home.
3. Try staybacks in school- which are after school activities.
As a family have family nights and evening, hearing music together, with everyone's choices, dance together, cook together, tell each other what you like about each other. communication starting at home helps a teen communicate outside.

Ans: Dear Nafees,
Well, your son is at an age where his focus is getting validation from girls. And he's just doing that...
Is there a father figure or some male member within the family who can take on the role of stepping in as your husband is away? This person can help guide your son back where he starts to focus on academics and understanding that social circles are just part of his life and right now the focus must be on his studies...if he still does not change, kindly call your husband back for a few weeks to take care of the situation...the boy needs his father/father figure who can be firm with him and yet appeal to him at this juncture of life.
It does not mean that as a mother you can't do this...It's just that he isn't responding to you and that's why I am making an alternate suggestion...Make this attempt and see what happens...

All the best!

Ans: Managing a child's social media addiction, especially when they have underlying mental health concerns like anxiety, can be challenging but crucial for their well-being. Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your son about his social media use. Express your concerns about how excessive screen time can impact his mental health and overall well-being.Establish clear rules and boundaries around screen time and social media use. This could include limiting the amount of time he spends on social media each day or setting specific times when he's allowed to use it.
Lead by Example: Model healthy screen time habits yourself. Show your son that you prioritize face-to-face interactions, hobbies, and other activities over excessive screen time.Encourage your son to engage in offline activities that he enjoys and that promote social interaction, physical activity, and creativity. This could include sports, hobbies, art, or spending time with friends and family.Keep an eye on your son's social media use and monitor the content he's consuming. Consider using parental control apps or settings to limit access to certain apps or websites.If your son's social media addiction is significantly impacting his mental health or daily functioning, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating addiction and/or anxiety. They can provide individualized strategies and support for managing his social media use in a healthy way.
Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies: Help your son develop healthy coping strategies for managing his anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in calming activities when he feels overwhelmed.
By taking proactive steps to address your son's social media addiction and providing support for his anxiety, you can help him develop healthier habits and improve his overall well-being. Remember to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and understanding, and seek professional support if needed.