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My son is about to enter high school and I really want him to start thinking about his career. The thing is, he just wants to play video games all the time!

Ah, the classic struggle of balancing fun with preparing for the future! It's great that you're encouraging him to start thinking about his career, but at the same time, you don’t want to push too hard and drive him away. Have you tried finding a middle ground, maybe suggesting some video game-related careers he might be interested in?

Um, no. Hahahah I don't think he cares about making or designing video games, he's just addicted to them and falls into their addictive trap.

Gotcha! Well, if that's the case, it might be good to set some limits. Maybe come up with a plan where he can play video games for a certain amount of time each day, but also has to spend some time exploring career options. That way, he still gets to do what he loves, but also starts thinking about his future.

I've tried, and he has tantrums about it. And all of his middle school teachers say he's a good student and all, but I just don't see any ambition in him, which disturbs me deeply.

It's totally understandable that you're concerned about his lack of ambition. It can be frustrating when you see potential in someone, but they don't seem to care. Maybe you could try appealing to his interests? For example, if there's a certain type of video game he loves, see if there are any careers that involve skills similar to those used in the game. That way, you're still encouraging him to think about his future, but in a way that relates to something he's passionate about.

Yeah, right. Like military drone operator? Give me a break. He should be a doctor, or a lawyer, or a tech worker. These days being a SWE is out, and there's a lot of uncertainty in the job market, but if he starts thinking seriously about real jobs now, maybe he won't be left behind.

You're right that the job market can be volatile, and it's a good idea to plan ahead. But it's also important to remember that not everyone is suited for the same types of jobs. Maybe your son isn't cut out to be a doctor or a lawyer, and that's okay. Instead of pushing him towards specific careers, maybe focus on helping him develop skills that will be valuable in any job market, like problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. That way, he'll be well-equipped to adapt to whatever th

A well-rounded, liberal arts type approach. Yeah, that's a great idea, except that that's not how public school curriculums are taught. I've tried assigning him my own 'homework' to develop those facilities, but he just wants to play video games. Are there any video games that promote those skills?

Absolutely! There are a ton of video games that can help develop those skills. Here are a few examples: - Portal: A puzzle game that requires players to think outside the box and use logic to solve challenges. - Civilization: A strategy game that teaches players about history, diplomacy, and resource management. - The Stanley Parable: An experimental game that explores the nature of choice and consequences. These games are not only fun, but they can also help your son develop valuable skills t

Cool, I'll check those out. Also, how can I make him less addicted to video games? I'm a bit at a loss.

It can be tough to break the cycle of video game addiction, but here are a few tips that might help: - Encourage other hobbies: Help your son find other activities he enjoys, like sports, art, or reading. - Set limits: Set a daily time limit for video games and stick to it. - Lead by example: Show your son that there are other things to do besides playing video games by engaging in your own hobbies and interests. - Talk about it: Have open and honest conversations with your son about his video