I aim to give you solid advice on your problems. I don't sugarcoat things and I'm always straight up. Don't come asking for what you want to hear as I always give the truth even if you don't want it because it's what you need and the only way to grow.
Gender: Male
Member Since: December 31, 2006
Answers: 3591
Last Update: August 30, 2022
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sometimes i hear fing that are not there i.e im comeing to get you and no one cares adout you and whan you die no one will no your die no one like you e.t.c it gets me up set. (link)
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This is something of great concern and must be handled a.s.a.p. You should go to an emergency room and tell them the truth that you hear voices telling you these things that don't go away.
If they are constantly coming at you like a freight train than we have a real problem that could be precursor to something bigger and you must be bloody honest about it with the psychiatrist who will examine you.
You need to let one talk to you because this could be part of a mental health issue that you have opportunity to get handled before the issue becomes bigger. Just tell them the truth. They'll know the right treatment and what the problem is and how to handle it.
As far as hospitalization goes they can hold you for 72 hours and ONLY if they feel you could get harmed, harm yourself or cannot cope right now on your own and or are delusional with voices or exhibit behavior they need to monitor. If it's not a big issue they send you home with proper meds and schedule counseling.
If you needed to stay in a hospital it's actually good as you get to rest, there's no stress and you get a chance to break away from the outside world until you can return to your normal routine. It's also so you can get better and be in full control.
First, we need to get this seen to at an emergency room and go from there to discover why you have these voices and what to do about it. I've had mental health issues with bipolar so seeing a doctor to rule out certain illnesses and resolve the problem isn't a bad idea.
Leaving it unattended is as those voices and the frequency can get louder and more rapid or it could be something easy to resolve with medication. You owe it to yourself to find out. To me at least, it sounds as though you might not be well. Voices like that in your head are not in the least bit normal.
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14/f i have a cell phone plan with my sister and mom. my mom has the SCH-U450 and my older sister has the iPhone5 that she just got on our plan about a month ago. i'll be 15 in january and my plan ends then on my birthday. it was a 2 year contract and i was looking at my verizon account online that i just made and it said on the "free phones" tab at the bottom that the iPhone4 is free with a 2 year contract. what does that mean? can i get this phone if i trade in my phone which is the LG octane becasue my contract will be up soon? how much will it be for the actual payment for the phone itself and the month to month payment with data and everything? same goes for the iphone5 it says that it is 200 with 2 year contract? thanksss (link)
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Trust me. You don't want an IPhone 4. It's two models down and beyond obsolete with the IPhone 5 out. It's not a deal at all especially if you have to re-up for another 2 years. Lord knows it will be a paperweight by then. If the deal were for the 4S than I could advise going in on it.
It's NOT completely about what phone you have now when it comes to an upgrade. It's all about what your parents signed up for and how long pardon the expression the provider has you by the balls.
Your sister's plan may have come up for renewal ahead of yours based on who signed for what, how long, first etc. Have your mom find out about the Iphone 5 and 4S plans and what you have to do in terms of fees to upgrade.
In some cases the fees can be small and in others HUGE to try and break a current contract for a new one and phone. Every time you do this they re-up you for something new, charge a penalty in some cases and screw people over with bad terms.
However, there may be a case if you have been on the same phone for 2-3 years and the provider for even longer when they'll let you have a phone at 0 down but one of their choosing and not necessarily yours. Bottom line: Ask mom and have her make a few calls and try to negotiate if she can.
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or is that too enabling or encouraging?
my 22 year old daughter is incarcerated for a year for fraud charges. I am unable to have much sympathy for her about this because she committed a crime even though I never told her it was OK to participate in illegal activities, embarrassed herself and her entire family, set a bad example for her younger sister, and this is her punishment and maybe it will be a good learning experience and toughen her up.
I wonder if I should visit her. I hear it may take a month to get visits. Is visiting also something that should be encouraged or is it seen as too enabling or encouraging to the person inside. I don't want to give anyone (especially her younger sibling) the idea I support criminal activity.
is there an account that she needs money on or something? Is it for necessities or for some luxury items? If only for luxury items I am not sure if I should send anything since I don't have the desire to make the stay all cushy for her.
anything else I should tell her? Maybe she can get some job inside or something? (link)
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Not visiting her sends an extremely negative message to your other daughter and the one in trouble. It sends the message that if someone screws up and lands in trouble that their parents bail on them. That's how it looks.
You can tell your younger daughter that her sister fouled up BIG TIME but as her mother and father that not visiting would be cruel and sending the wrong message that family isn't their to help in a crisis. Don't abandon her.
When you visit make sure you tell your daughter how disappointed and embarrassed you are but that you haven't turned your back on her. Let her know that once she gets out she needs to clean up her act and cut some people loose or she can't live with you. Try to find her that help and secure place when she's out.
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or not go to jail but still have your record in place?
would it be better for a 22 year old female to serve a four month sentence in county jail then have your record cleaned or not go to jail but have your criminal record in place? Both cases you have to pay restitution and probation. What is the better thing to do here? Is jail as bad as TV makes it look? Would four months in jail be worth it? (link)
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It ain't the Hilton that's for sure. I'm not making light of the severity of the situation but trying to break tension.
Jail is not a nice place and usually full of people who have done something they deserve to be locked up for while there are also those who made a few bad decisions landing them there.
While I never went to jail I know for a fact that A&E, TLC and others showing raw-footage of inside jails are 100% accurate and not over-blown.
I don't know what exactly you were convicted of but it won't matter to my recommendation. You are 22 and made bad choices and from here forward won't again and want to change. Rid yourself of people from you old life that can poorly influence you when you get out and stay straight.
The BEST thing you can do is accept the deal for 4 months in jail (which won't be easy) and a clean slate when you get out. If you follow all the rules, be a model inmate and stay clear of conflict you fair better.
You got a break from the judge as most people don't get to have anything removed from record. It follows them around and forever limits what they can do with employment, education or life in general. Four months is worth it to never again be dogged by the past. I'm sure your lawyer will advise that.
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I am 22,female and I am from India.I am deeply in love with my boyfriend and we ve been in a relationship since the past 2 yrs.I lost my virginity to him and these days we have started having fights over many issues which is making me feel guilty for loosing my virginity to him?I dont want this feeling.How do I get rid of this feeling?I cant stop making out because I dont want to hurt him on this too... (link)
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You need to work on some things in your relationship and talk to him about what is really bothering you. Having said that, why feel guilty, ashamed or any other emotion? You had sex with someone at the time you were sure about.
You didn't make the virginity decision lightly and decided he was the one. If that's the case than don't regret the actual act. You may regret it was with him which you can't fix but not your decision.
Try and remember what you love most about him and the relationship and get counseling to resolve the differences. You just have some work to do and more time to invest.
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I've been planning to break up with my boyfriends for months now and I feel so awful that I haven't done it yet, but I am severely shy, even after having dated him for a year. I just feel that there's nothing in this relationship beneficial to us. I feel awkward as well that he keeps buying me things and it makes me feel even worse about having to break up with him, but I really am not happy with this relationship. I wouldn't mind being friends with him still, but in a relationship? It's not working. I don't want to break up with him over Facebook because I know people hate that, but whenever we get together in person, I can't. I choke on my words and can't even force myself to speak half the time. I really need help. I don't know what to do now. (link)
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Facebook is the wrong place to ask someone out and or breakup. I have a horror story to back that up so I'm warning don't do it that way. It can easily be copied and shown to someone else same deal with a text.
Even though you are shy you have to talk to him face to face and realize that it's the most compassionate way. It's easier not to choke up if you have what you want to say written down and put a great deal of thought into it. Read from paper.
There is NOTHING to be embarrassed over AT ALL. Your relationship like so many other people's just didn't work out. You tried.
I would write a short note that says "It's hard for me to say this but I need to. I feel we work best as friends and not as lovers and do not want to drag this out any further. It's just not working but I will always have a place as a friend for you in my heart." Leave it at that. Short and sweet. Practice saying it as that may help.
If you absolutely can't say it to him slip a card into his locker about it and explain why you had a hard time trying to do it in person and to come see you later to talk. He's not apt to pass that card around.
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So I have this guy friend and he has asked me if I could sleep over his house, we are best friends but my mom always says " Absolutely not!". Why is she not letting me. I really want to sleep over his house but my mom is like WAY OVER PROTECTIVE. Any way I can convince her to let me stay the night. ANYTHING WILL DO! Please like HELP ME! (link)
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Well, it's NOT you she doesn't trust it's him. He may be the nicest person ever but mom thinks this puts you in a bad position. She's concerned about you engaging in sex even if this whole thing is innocent.
Most parents would be uneasy for this reason. All you can do is tell her sex is the last thing that would happen. You could also have her speak to his parents an ensure adult supervision or ask your mom if he can stay at your place and her supervise. Why do you want him over so badly?
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I got asked out in school on Wendsday and he's my first boyfriend and I don't know what to do! I'm really shy. I really like him but since I don't know what to do I'm scared he'll break up with me.. HELP! (link)
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RELAX. Seriously just relax. Be the same person you always were to him and act no different. That's what he obviously likes. He probably is nervous around you too and it's okay. Letting him know how shy you are is a very good idea too. This way he can get you to relax and enjoy yourself.
The only way he would break up with you is if you weren't getting along. Just talk to him about all of this and how excited you are but that it's really new. I know he will do everything to put you at ease.
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Hi! So I'm a female, 12 years old, and in France. So anyways, I've been obsessed with getting the Wii U. My mom said I may have till Christmas - or even until taxes come. And I'm SERIOUSLY obsessed with the Wii U and I really need it!! I don't know what to say to her to let me get it. She's that typs where she can get talked into letting me buy it.
I know this is a weird question or I may seem selfish or something, but I need this.. I've actually cried over this thing. That's how bad I want it Dx (link)
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I know your mother will get you one when she can afford it but she can't until then. That likely won't change but rest assured you will get it. Also, there may be a remote chance she may have or someone else in the family did hence the Christmas remark. You never know. Quite possible.
The other thing right now is that NOBODY unless they are related to Mario himself or the president of Nintendo can find it in stores and get it off the shelf in the U.S. and Canada ditto for the Mario Bros Wii U game.
You need a pre-order for both and that takes a while to ship while they get stock.I think if you relax you'll get one and the wait will be worth it.
Putting more pressure on mom won't work at all because she can't provide it or she would have given it to you already. It's not a matter of talking her into something it's a matter of her having no money to put aside for it now. That's what you aren't seeing. And yes, I want one too but don't mind waiting ;)
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Hi, let me tell you a little about myself. I am 13 years old and I have acne. I don't think I'm a pretty girl at all, I do have a boyfriend but he tells me that I'm extremely hhard on myself(of course he would say that he's my boyfriend) , I have C's and D's. I have had anxiety attacks from time to time and I have social anxiety. Now, my really close friend told me I need to get a counselor for my self-doubt. Should I take her seriously? (link)
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YES! She's telling you the TRUTH as is your boyfriend. It's not slamming you but they know you have anxiety, social issues and to be honest with yourself very unhappy.
They know that seeing a therapist (not a school counselor)or even a psychiatrist doesn't mean you're bonkers. It just means you need support so you can thrive. They know the level of anxiety and self-doubt isn't normal as is social anxiety like this for people your age.
Talking to a professional is only going to make life for you 10 times better than now. At least try it out. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. Been there. Doing that.
The thing is you are no doubt pretty but cannot see it. Acne is the easiest thing to deal with especially if its a significant amount. Over the counter stuff has NO medicine in it AT ALL and can't break down the bacteria and keep it away that creates acne. You need to see a family doctor for a prescription cream that will work. Often they have free sample tubes you can try out. That worked for me at your age.
As for grades ask for extra help, study a bit harder and even try and get a fellow student as a tutor or involved in study groups to boost it up. It will happen if you really work hard for it. C's are average as are D's but can boosted up over time. You may even want to copy someone else's class notes or in the case of an actual learning problem have someone who does that for you and get extra help.
You could do what college students do and get a micro cassette player (usually digital nowadays) that you see reporters holding in interviews on TV from Radio Shack or The Source if Canadian and put it in front of your teacher or ask them to hold it because you have trouble learning and taking notes. Most will find this okay and encourage you trying.
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I am a 13yr old female and never liked to kiss my dads lips. It's isn't a full out make out session but just a really long pucker up and get your face smushed thing. I turn my head so he gets the memo to kiss my check but then he gets really mad at me. I turn to leave and I'm yelled at until I come back. He then says "what the hell is wrong with you?!?" And is ticked off for the rest of the day. My mom and sister are then mad at me too because I can't suck it up. My dad doesn't kiss my sister on the mouth though! He will grab me by my arms and kiss me really hard and won't let me leave! Then sometimes he will kiss my neck and my shoulder and collarbone which makes me really uncomfy. Is this ok? (link)
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They think it's okay and a father daughter innocent thing. However, it's bloody creepy to this guy at least he's kissing your neck, shoulders, collar. That isn't right. He shouldn't do that. If it makes you uncomfortable tell people he does it and let him know you aren't little anymore and kisses like that on the lips aren't appropriate. It has nothing to do with love. Maybe he just doesn't see how this creeps you out and someone tactfully needs to let him know how it bothers you and others will perceive it.
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he wants to know what srt of effect it wil have he dose not want to see a sex doc hes curious what will happen to his penis and if there are any female pills that wil get rid of body hair... (link)
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I will be blunt because he needs a dose of reality here. Medical professionals will tell you the same thing I am about to. NEVER take a prescription drug pill form or liquid not prescribed to you no matter what it's designed to do. Doing so can lead to death or at the very bad medical issues.
If he sincerely wants to know what those pills do all he has to do is some research, ask you, and read about them and how they function. Nothing positive nor negative will happen to his penis for taking it either and there's no pill that I know of for body hair removal.
Seeing what taking a pill will do (especially one not for males even) out of curiosity is dumb as it can lead to death in some cases or a problem he may need an ER for. Besides the medication and chemicals in it is designed for the female body and not males. Bottom line: extremely bad idea not to go forward with.
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I didn't drink anything and I am peeing a lot. Is this a symptom of a period soon. Thanks! (link)
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Are you on any type of medication that is new? Frequent urination could be a side-effect of a drug. If it isn't see a doctor to figure it out as you don't want to accidentally piddle yourself in public or need to urinate all the time. It's a pain in the ass.
I know that feeling as that's what a medication did with me when first introduced. It still causes problems but it's not at a ridiculous level. I'm a guy so I don't know much about periods and symptoms people will have. However, I have never heard needing to constantly urinate as one.
I would talk to your mother about this and explain that it's not you drinking too much fluids but you find yourself constantly needing to pass urine and would like to see a doctor to see if there's anything that causes it or can stop it. Definitely tell someone and get it checked out.
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I think I may be dyslexic? I'm 12 and I tried to tell my mum I think I'm dyslexic because I've done loads of tests on the Internet and they ALL say yes, I can't even tell my dad because he died when I was young and my grandparents all live faraway, the only people who believe me are my small group of friends.
My handwriting is awful, I'm from the uk and I just started 1st year in high school i don't know what that is in the us.
My handwriting is still the same as it was in primary 5, I can write good for about 2 lines then it all goes downhill.
The words on a page go all blurry and the color varies shades of gray and black, my spelling is fantastic but maths is one of my biggest struggles, I need my fingers and I've always been in the lowest group, people say I'm talented in drawing and sports but my friends always say I zone out a lot.
. I had an eye test and my sight isn't the best but not bad enough to get glasses, I get headaches everyday even if is just for 15 minutes mostly in the morning or sometimes if I read. I take around 4 minutes to read a page of a book, I just can't concentrate plus the blurry ness etc.
I have a high pain threshold and I still can't tie my shoelaces without using the bunny ears method, my best friend tries to help me out but I still can't do it.
I have motion sickness and I still don't know left or right from the top of my head or above the 5x table.
Am I dyslexic??? PLEASE HELP. (link)
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Never trust the Internet as a diagnostic tool. Often its wrong and people end up scaring the shit out of themselves. A lot of people have awful handwriting and that doesn't mean they have dyslexia.
The fact is that you aren't good at math. That doesn't mean you are dyslexic or have a learning problem but might need extra tutoring. Counting on one's fingers or using a calculator is pretty common.
I'm not a doctor but some people have inner-ear issues where if they loo down long enough at something they get sick. Only a doctor can diagnose that and should look at why you get headaches and your eyes go blurry when you read.
You seem to understand what is on the page and don't reverse words. See a doctor about the headaches and vision definitely as it may be something different than you suspect and serious. Tell your mom about the headaches and blurred vision scaring you.
If you suspect a learning problem still talk to your teachers. They can order testing through the school that you don't need to pay for. Also, mention to a few of them about the blurred vision and headaches all the time that mom brushes off. They can write letters home and put pressure on her to do something about a doctor's visit.
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Okay do me and one of my friends/coworkers are going out drinking and partying next week together. We are bisexual and extremely frisky when we drink. So we have decided that we just wanna crash at her house that night and she has
Made MANY moves and clues that she wants to hook up that night and I'm very interested in her. But I've never really been with another girl to that extent (just fingering). But I really want to with her so does anyone have any techniques or special things that girls like to be done to them.
And I don't need Anything about coworkers not doing it ( I've already made sure we don't have any rules against inter workplace relationships). So anything you guys can give me would be a great help! Thanks guys!! (link)
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Be 100% sure she's positively interested in you sexually and doing this that day (or ever) because it can harm you at the office if she's not. If you are sure than you should talk to her privately and openly, mention you want to try this with her if she's interested and have never had such an experience before. Most partners will guide the inexperienced the first few times. Talk to her.
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Me:12/F
Him:14/m
Well my boyfriend fingers me and I wanted to know if its okay since I'm 12 I'm turning 13 in 7 months and it just feels so good and I don't want it to stop but if its not right then I should probably stop him. We haven't had sex yet and I'm still a virgin. I really love him and we've been together for 6 months and he's been fingering me 4 5 months he fingers me every weekend and we see each other everyday at school and I'm at his house most days and my parents don't know about us when I sleep there on the weekends they thing I'm sleeping at my friend(she lives next door to him)please don't judge me
Thanks x (link)
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Your parents will kill you and him both if they find out that not only do you have a boyfriend but you sleep together at his house though not having sex. I think you know this hence the sneaking.
If there ever were a situation where you said you would be somewhere in an emergency and then weren't... It's also not fair to get your friend in a position where she could get in big shit for covering for you. You would lose any trust your parents have in you.
Don't lie to parents about him. Tell them you know they probably don't want you dating but that you have found someone you really care about and introduce him formally and his parents. That's the right thing to do and to have zero secrets.
When it comes to what you have been doing together generally it's older teens and adults engaging in this. However, the fact is that it's a form of self-pleasure and something you can't get pregnant from, won't harm you physically/mentally and you're in full control and enjoy it.
As long as you can tell him NO to anything else sexual and to QUIT or STOP or knee him in the groin when he doesn't than on that level... All it is is a form of masturbation as I said earlier which is normal as you know but done by a partner in this case.
However, I caution you big time here. You say he does it all the time when together. If it's ALL he wants to do than you have to look hard at the quality of the relationship or set limits on when and why this happens or if it's right for you right now. Don't do it to please him.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about it. But if he's to be in your life as a boyfriend tell your parents about it and stop sneaking around. If you want them to respect you respect them by being truthful.
Also, you need to exercise maturity here as a lot of this is adult decision making and being responsible which you aren't being. At your age even if it's non-sexual beyond this act you shouldn't be sleeping with boys or at their houses.
That can get you in trouble with your parents or in general by putting you in position for a bad situation with him. Also, if you feel conflicted about this or that it's wrong it may just be for you and this time.
You really ought to talk to an older sister or female about this topic that you can trust for guidance and confidentially in dealing with this boy and this kind of sexual thing coming up that you may not be ready to handle at your age.
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I'm 11 years old and have a boyfriend and I ALWAYS invite him over and go on dates with him. 1 year ago we had our first kiss and I feel weird knowing that I kissed someone I met only for three days! anyway, every time I lock the door of my room so we can talk privetly my mum screams out loud "MY DAUGTER IS HAVING FUN SEX!" she thinks that we have sex but we oblivesly don't ! how do I tell my mum we don't have sex? (without saying "just say mum we don't have sex were too young" because I already tried !!) (link)
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She's saying it because she knows that you aren't having sex and believes this is a cute thing she's said or continues to. I don't know why she would think you were but set her straight.
She thinks this is her being cute but you're totally mortified and it is indeed an incredibly dumb and inappropriate remark for a parent to be making to someone your age or at all. Tell her how it bothers you and that you have no desire for sex at all right now. If she doesn't get it consult your father.
Better yet avoid a hassle and keep your room unlocked or open when he is around. You have nothing to hide and she will see that. Locking it isn't the right idea. She will obviously know how to knock so privacy would remain intact. I hope this helps you.
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My mother has had strokes and is in skilled nursing. She has early dementia and has very little memory left. Most times, she doesn't know where she's at or who you are. I haven't been to visit her lately and really don't want to because she doesn't know who I am, doesn't carry on any kind of intelligible conversation and ends up agitated and I am agitated in the process. I have deep seated resentments towards her from some childhood abuse she allowed to happen by my adopted father and further from the way she has favored one of my other brothers all his life, pandering and catering to himm, supporting his alcoholism and lazy work habits and lying for him to keep him out of trouble. He is a loser and she enabled him to destroy everything and steal her money so now she is broke. She has thrown me under the bus for many years in favor of this brother and I have another brother who made it his business to not tell me my mother had even had a stroke and I didn't find out about it for over 5 months. The whole entire family was in on the ruse, including my own two children. There was absolutely NO reason for it other than the weird brother didn't want me to know so that he could steal even more of her money, have her sign bogus documents, etc. It sounds incredulous, but this honestly happened. I was extremely hurt by all this deception and disloyal behavior, especially with my mother scheming and having my kids lie to me to protect that son of hers....it was a nightmare and really still is. Anyway, my issue is that I really don't want to visit, but am feeling some guilty because I don't want my kids to abandon me should I ever be in a position like that...hopefully not. I am hurt, angry and resentful. I pray for the fortitude to forgive her, my pedophile father and brothers all, but I am not there yet. What should I do? It's Thanksgiving next week and I am wondering if I should go get her and bring her to my house. She is totally dependent on someone else to help her do anything, walk, etc. I just really am not in the mood. (link)
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Resentment can kill you. Every time you have thoughts resenting another no matter what they may have done it's like drinking a tub of Draino. It's doing a number on you inside.
Your mother may have been awful towards you in life but she is no longer that person. She cannot recall you or your brother and unless you step in she's helpless in that nursing home.
She's your mom no matter what and ethically and morally you have an obligation here. Your kids need to be told what happened to you but that you have forgiven her and actually are trying to let go of the past. If you get agitated or she does just leave the room for awhile or for that day.
Your brother is an addict and is sick and definitely has made some awful mistakes. You may think he's a loser but you have to let go of that as it's hurting you not him. Try reaching out to him and offer help but limit contact until he does but purge the resentment as it's doing you more harm to think these thoughts than he can feel.
It would be in your best interest to consult a psychiatrist. You aren't crazy but you need one to help you deal with feelings of betrayal, resentment, the sexual assault and not feeling good about yourself before this consumes you which it's on a trajectory to do. You need to learn that while you can't change the past you shouldn't allow it to ruin your present and future.
What your stepfather did was horrid to say the least and was not your fault and that he acted on his own. There may be other victims. What you should do is make your kids, family and others know what he did to you so they are aware. He needs a ton of help and or jail you have to see it as a sickness and try to move forward which is hard to do with life and family now. You definitely need a professional to talk to and to help you do this.
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13/f
okaay, so everyday my boyfriend kisses me and hugs me everyday b4 we get on the bus to go home. but today he didnt. i asked him why he didnt, and he said he just wasnt himself, because his grandmothers dog dies, and he was really close to it. i felt bad and sent him a frowney face, and he never answerd me. i sometimes feel like he doesnt like me. or love me in our case. we've been dating 2 weeks as of tommorrow...but i feel really bad for him, and he wont answer me. i'm scared to text him again because it makes me feel pushy. do you think was wrong for asking why he didnt kiss me? and should i text him and tell him that sometimes it seems as though he doesnt like me and tell the truth? (link)
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Let him text you. Don't text him or will blow things badly for yourself. He obviously has a lot on his plate and simply hasn't had time to respond. If anyone has grief over anything or isn't themselves for any reason relationships as well as a kiss take a backseat.
It's nothing personal and he wouldn't want you to think that. Just give him some time. I know he will get back to you but will in fact see you as pushy if you text again or needy. I'm sure he likes you but you are afraid he won't for some reason. You need to deal with that and see that everything is and will continue to be okay.
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my name is Rachel and i am 23 years old starting in January i am going to be baby sitting my cousin who is 21 years old but he has autism and has the mind of a 2 year old and when I go over there to his house i have noticed that all he does is sit there and watch barney. I mean there is nothing wrong with him watching barney every now and then in my opinion but i was wanting to get him to try to do some other things. what kind of games can I play with him or does any body have any arts and crafts ideas that I can try? Does any body of any fun ideas that I can try with my cousin while i am baby sitting him ? (link)
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In a case like this tell your aunt or uncle that you are qualified to watch kids but know little to nothing about your cousin's autism and what activities to engage him in. They are experts on this and will be able to bring you up to speed.
Also, chuck any attitudes or beliefs about him or autism that you have heard or learned (which to be fair are wrong with most outsiders) out the window when you arrive. I know you aren't judgmental but go in with clean slate.
There may be a perception that he has the mind of a 2-year-old because of non-verbal communication or difficulty understanding others but you may be surprised at how intelligent he actually is as would his parents.
Check out this brave young girl who has autism and was written off wrote her autobiography recently called Carly's Voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34xoYwLNpvw
Maybe if you viewed this and got her book as well as others on the topic you will be more prepared come January and will know what will likely work as far as activities versus what won't. Again his parents know this for sure. Maybe you will help facilitate further breakthrough.
As far as Barney goes it's not a he's too old for this shouldn't watch it scenario or has the mind of someone who is 2 even if he does. There's something in the show itself that is soothing to him or comforting which is in fact a good thing. Doesn't make him at all dumb nor should it be taken away.
My hunch is that he's yet to find a way for his inner voice to be heard. He may like computer games or may not for stimulation/learning. Be willing to try anything but use his parents as a blueprint as they know their child best and how autism functions. There's a lot your cousin can and will teach you through the experience. You have a good heart for wanting to know everything you can and for making him comfortable.
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