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: Children these days spend a lot of time online which is not the healthiest behavior at all. In my opinion, you could do a couple of things. Start from getting to know what is the kind of content he is consuming online as it is a well known fact that the content children consume starts impacting them hugely. You should have a rational conversation with him about the importance of being outdoors and maintaining a healthy balance but under no circumstance take to warnings or ultimatums. If you think that a conversation with you as a parent isn't leading anywhere, then the best approach is for the child to speak to a professional coach or counsellor. But please do not resort to anger, comparisons or make him feel that he is not understood.