:O >:( !

Remember, Debs, it's still early in the season. Teenagers change their minds daily. He may get bored of his Own volition and go do something, and then you'll have to Force him back in the house!

(we can only hope, lol)

Hope the day gets better - *hugs*

I once once a 14-year old male person with bad facial acne. You need to realize that what isn't worth bothering about to you is a devastating disfigurement to your son. He could swim with a t-shirt on. He could go for treatment. There are worse ways to spend the summer than watching tv, playing video games and reading. Try not to project your ideals on your son too much. As boredom sets in he'll be spurred to activity. He could even help you around the house. When I was 14 I had a 10-speed bike that I bought with my own money and I was gone from morning to night.

Thanks guys. I do try to keep in mind the acne and his age...he takes a low dose of an antibiotic for it and it helps but doesn't cure.

I will try to be more patient and I guess just go off and do my things and hope he gets bored to the point that he want to join in. I know if I try to force him to go he'll be miserable and make me miserable too like Ev mentioned. I just want him to have fun and enjoy things and go places and not miss out ya know?

Well, when I was younger I skipped doing anything during holidays. I didn't want to get a job or anything. Reason being I was too depressed to do so. My parents didn't understand though. Point is, have you gotten him checked out? He may have a condition and the whole acne thing is just an excuse. I don't know. Just throwing suggestions.

That stuff they always advertise for acne on TV is supposed to work well. Proactive. Worked for my younger brothers, according to my step-mother. Also, get him a shower skin brush so he can reach his back and some Neuotrogenia anti-bacterial bath soap. If he thinks his acne is going away or getting better - and god forbid, not getting worse, he may go swimming! Good luck.

If I had a son, I'd teach him how to hula hoop, spin poi, or get into some martial arts. Some kind of movement thing he can build skill at if he isn't into sports.

the neutrogena worked for my brothers too, and so did the egg white mask actually, but maybe some time at the local library is in order. there are reading groups and sometimes even gamer groups that he might be interested in joining. and if he's only self conscious about his back then one of those swimming shirts might be a good idea for him. they're skin tight and made of a fine mesh so no one is going to notice the acne though they might give him a hard time about the shirt, if that happens then he'll probably just go swimming without it.
good luck!
xx

I have a 14yo son too,the stubborness and wanting play video games is part of their age as well as their generation.But their self esteem building is really crutial (ijust cant spell anymore,i just to be smart pre meds:( ) my son spends more time than a girl primping before he goes out.!!! he had acne on his face which is now gone.we used store brand neutrogena facial anti bacterial cleanser with a small soft facial brush and those pre moistened pads. his face is all clear now. using a soft back brush or those scrubbies with a handle (not loofah too abrasive) let dry out good in between even dry out in sun so it doesnt grow bacteria.when he is home expose it to the sun for 30-45 min it may help dry out, but as som eone else mentioned those swim shirts are the best my kids wear them all the time and they protect from burns.you really dont want to put sunscreen. on it. you could give him a certain amount of hours a day for video games to use when ever he wants.when they are used up that is it! eventually they get bored.if he chooses to stick around the house let him.maybe thats where he really wants/needs to be. i have 3 still home.there is one m illion things they can do my 14yo is never ever home we never see him he is with his friends involved w every sports going out on friends boats etc. my 11 so and 8 yo dtr do not ant to go to camp.this 3 day weekend they are already c/o b oredom...not my problem!!!! good luck!! b eing a teen is tough after having two teens who are now adults i n ow get it so i have eased up.its hard being mom!!!!(((HUGS))))