HELP! Son wants to quit

Please remember this is the United States of America in 1999, and that my comments are not meant to be accusatory in any way.

This is your son we are talking about. Football is - at best- a very distant second consideration. He is at a critical life juncture when a lot of behavioral decisions, that will affect the rest of his life, are made.

Is drug abuse a possibility?

Have you noted any other changes in him? Grades slipping? Moody? Discipline problems at school? Unexplained sickness and absences? New and different friends? Any physical appearance changes? Weight loss? Unkempt dress? Lackadaiscal attitude?

Again, please do not take this the wrong way. Remember the Carroll O'Connor comercial that has been running lately. Make sure your son is not involved in the drug scene that is so prevalent in our world. End of sermon!

Now, assuming everything I have suggested above is not the case for your son. (As I hope it is not.) Football season seems to last forever when you are participating. He may be sick of it now, but may have the fire re-ignited next August. Perhaps you are best to drop the subject for now? Be patient and see what transpires.

You must never forget this game is not for everyone. I love it, but my ten-year-old son will have nothing - and I mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! - to do with it. That fact has no affect on our relationship. I strongly recommend you make yours the same way. Good Luck and God Bless You Both.