Question
Good morning,
How do I address a difference in values with my 18 year old son? He will graduate in 2 months so still lives at home. He is materialistic and very focused on brands and "image". He sometimes makes remarks with racial undertones. I am the youth leader at our church and occasionally makes challenging remarks. Last night I was speaking about material excess and how so many around us don't have much. I suggested that when we donate to charities such as good will we could donate things we actually like so that another may benefit from it. His comment was why would anyone ever do that? I don't have other problems with him other than sometimes "forgetting" to do chores. Grades are OK, always home when he says he will be. I am not sure if he is trying to get attention in front of his peers or if really believes/thinks this way. He has not been taught this attitude by me or his stepfather. He has been involved in a little local mission work so feel he understands what I am talking about. I am wondering how to respond. Ignore him? Explain to him? It seems he is at the age where explaining should not be necessary.
