11 yo losing interest in hobbies, school work etc

[Vicky13]

My daughter is 11 - in Yr 6 at school. At the moment she seems to be losing interest in everything she used to enjoy.

She gave up swimming club about a year ago. She stopped an after school sports club last term. She has stopped doing lunchtime activities at school. Now she has decided she wants to give up piano. The only reason she gives is "they're boring" or "I don't like it".

She's been playing piano since she was 8 and I must admit I'm really gutted this time. I think it's been great for her confidence to have something she's doing well at outside of school. Not sure why I'm taking it so hard. I'm trying to tell myself it's only a hobby and it doesn't really matter, but just can't help feeling really sad about it.

She is also losing interest in school work and while she's not yet rebellious enough to refuse to do homework, she always does the absolute bare minimum in about 5 minutes. She just wants to read, go on the computer or watch telly.

Please tell me this is normal pre-teen behaviour! Do they normally start up having enthusiasm for things again in secondary?

[adkinsfamily]

my 11 yr old son hates school and focuses all his attention to his xbox when he is home. his xbox time has been cut to 1hr a day but he still does not care about school what so ever.

[adkinsfamily]

wish I knew.
I have a pre-teen myself.

[kissmyheathenass]

Ds ,12 has dropped karate and has no interests whatsoever apart from playstation type stuff. He is lazy, lethargic and just want to slouch around reading or going on his PS3 which is strictly limited. He couldt care less about school work. He drives us mad. No solutions but you have my sympathy. I blame hormones!

[ItsRainingOutside]

My dd is just the same, gave up trampolining, horse-riding and even sleepovers at her old friends. I think it's just a phase not helped by the fact they do get very tired during adolescence. I'm sure she'll come through it soon

[WhatKindofFool]

My 11 year DS is similar. He still goes to some activities but he no longer reads and doesn't give a toss about his school work (yet he insists he tries his best). I am at my wits end with him. He says I am always mean to him.

He is currently in bed as he says he "feels sick" but I reckon he is just tired because he refuses to go to bed at a reasonable time. I'm not being sympathetic this morning as I think he has brought this on himself.
Arrgh.....

[bubby64]

Both my sons (yr7) have gave up on their clubs and activities last year and spend their time on xbox and computer, I had hoped going to High School with different things going on would re-kindle some enthusiasm, but, no, not yet. I think its one of the things they go through at this stage.