Son Gives One-Word Answers

by anamaria
(wellington, fl, us)

My son gives one-word answers to us and other adults.
He's a great kid. Has many friends. Is well liked. But, when we try to engage him in conversation it's "good, okay, I don't know, yes, no" answers.

We are extremely frustrated with what seems like lack of caring or not wanting to be bothered. He mumbles when he speaks to adults. Although at school he does well doing presentations.

I'm not sure how to get through to him. I told him that if he's asked a question to repeat the question in the answer. When at home, if there are no friends around, all he does is watch TV (which I have now taken away).

He often seems sad and will say that he has nothing to talk about. I know not everyone is outgoing but I would like to find a way to teach him to communicate and how to have thicker skin. He takes constructive criticism to heart. Something as little as being asked if he noticed anything different while throwing a baseball incorrectly will set him over the edge and upset him.

Other parents love having him play with their kids because he's so easy going with everyone. But you put him in a conversation with an adult and he's lost. How can I help him?