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Parent's diary (2) — The time I wanted my teen to volunteer 

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Parent's diary (2)  — The time I wanted my teen to volunteer
June 9, 2020

Catherine Dubé, psychosocial counsellor

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I woke up this morning feeling very motivated. Today is the day my son will give up his video games and spend his time more productively. When I was a teenager, I didn't spend all my time in front of the screen wasting my time.

6:30... I don't think I should be waking my son up to discuss the matter with him. Why don't I make him pancakes for brunch around 11:00 ? In the meantime, coffee, my newspaper and some quiet reading would be nice. Maybe it's the calm before the storm.

Here's an article from a mother and daughter volunteering together. Why don't we build on that? They look like ordinary people just like us. They just decided to take action. 

I think it's a good plan. I don't do volunteer work, I often say I'll do it when I retire. Maybe it's time for me to get started. I know that setting an example speaks louder than words. And if it's good for him, it's good for me...

I can't believe that my son is so stubborn, thinking that he is always right and that I am going to waste my time. Why can't we both be winners ? It's a good strategy, I don't want war, I just want to help him grow up. Think positively. When we eat our pancakes, we'll find something to share.

Reminder to myself : don't say a word about video games, present this as an opportunity to experience an enjoyable moment, propose a realistic commitment, remember that you don't have to be mother Theresa, listen to him, remember that he has all sorts of interesting ideas.

That's good. I'll give him my suggestions this morning and we'll talk about them later. Patience !


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