The mom is justifiably concerned, and the son's exploration is perfectly normal. The only way to handle it is to maintain communication and TALK to her son about what is acceptable and what is not. She needs to let him know that what he is doing is normal curiosity, but there need to be limits and responsibility exercised.
My parents encouraged reading from the day we were able to (sort of) hold a book, and sci fi was extremely prevalent throughout my formative years. I continued in this pattern with my sons and see the same interests and patterns. Star Trek and its forebears, along with the rest of the genre, was a huge influence in fostering a desire to improve the world around us. My sons and my nieces and nephews are following right along with what my parents began. I can only stress one thing - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT is critical and absolutely essential - I went to far too many Open Houses and PTA Meetings where parents were too busy or too lazy to attend. I was an INVOLVED parent and it shows in my now adult sons. I made some real sacrifices to be there, but it was the single most important thing I could have done for my sons and for the future of our world.
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The mom is justifiably concerned, and the son's exploration is perfectly normal. The only way to handle it is to maintain communication and TALK to her son about what is acceptable and what is not. She needs to let him know that what he is doing is normal curiosity, but there need to be limits and responsibility exercised.
My parents encouraged reading from the day we were able to (sort of) hold a book, and sci fi was extremely prevalent throughout my formative years. I continued in this pattern with my sons and see the same interests and patterns. Star Trek and its forebears, along with the rest of the genre, was a huge influence in fostering a desire to improve the world around us. My sons and my nieces and nephews are following right along with what my parents began. I can only stress one thing - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT is critical and absolutely essential - I went to far too many Open Houses and PTA Meetings where parents were too busy or too lazy to attend. I was an INVOLVED parent and it shows in my now adult sons. I made some real sacrifices to be there, but it was the single most important thing I could have done for my sons and for the future of our world.