Teach by example. Encourage involvement or some special activity that meets your sons gifts and abilities. Not all children are gifted athletes or academicians. But every one of our children can develop an amazing service project. Every student can participate in the Blue Tide for school spirit.
Every student can tutor someone in some subject.
Every student can offer his gifts or talents somewhere. They look for commitment, consistency and leadership in at least one activity. Stay in touch with your son. Listen to what he says while you're driving. Then you're not staring at him.