For those of you who work in some capacity either directly with US Aid or NGO receiving funding from US Aid... how much real good was happening and how much grift/waste ? So hard to triangulate to get the real facts and certainly cannot rely on Elon, Fox, NYT, or CNN for truth..

he may not be literate in Cobol but they won't touch Social Security for those that are 55+....younger than that, not sure, but IMO something needs to be done. Not enough $ to pay out the next generation.

Anonymous wrote:OP when he turns down the activities you suggest, what reason does he give? Does he have friends? Does he spend time with them outside of school?

he'll usually state that he has no interest and it will be hard to get motivated for that. He does some recreational volleyball at the Y but not a sports guy which is fine. He does orchestra in school and played last year in a very high level county band, but just went through the motions; no zeal.

There is a pressure from colleges to be a "pointy' applicant which a unique passion. I disagree with that if it is forced and doesn't come from within. But turning down options at the buffet of opportunities before even trying them is tough.

all good ideas. will explore these options.

he may be at an equilibrium with all that he can handle for now... but hard to gauge as a parent; don't want him to miss good opportunities.

7th grader goes to a STEM school, with plethora of STEM and non STEM activities. I've also presented options outside of school such as debate, rowing, sports, art class, etc. So far he has declined everything. Grades are near perfect. No major behavioral issues. In his spare time, voracious fantasy fiction reader, and some video gaming on weekends.

I don't want to force activities on him; that is Cleary not productive. But his reluctance to try anything extra-curricular is becoming problematic. Any ideas on potential ideas ? Literary themed projects or Johns Hopkins CTY ?

We are not trying to have him fill out a college CV here; just some attempt to explore potential areas of interest.

For those of you who are adverse to intense activities in high school, did any of you attend a top-tier college? I only ask because almost all top-notch careers early on require intense dedication pressure, problem-solving. Whether you are in debates, or sports, have to learn how to start dealing with pressure.

Is this a real diagnosis from an established neuropsychiatrist or more for academic enhancement purposes?

If you substitute Christian/Bible for another group, you think we are talking about the Taliban. I mean this is ridiculous! Public education should be secular. Separation of church and state. What are these people trying to do turn our country into it theocracy??