Can you agree together on one area he can do something and help him work on that? A friends child shaved her head to raise money for cancer at 7 (her idea), raised money other ways, raised awareness of various groups who need help. With my traditional upbringing I find it hard to approve at times but the fact is she is a confident child who stands up for what is right and believes she can make a difference even if she can't eliminate the problem. My unbringing resulted in learned helplessness and depression.
And counselling.
