Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Emotions - laughter

DS16 has always had a wonderful sense of humour but very rarely laughs or smiles. At best you may get a smirk out of him.
It is something that has intrigued me for a long time and was wondering if anyone else has a child like this.

Hmmm...I would describe DS8 as "serious-minded," but he does smile and laugh fairly regularly. I don't think he's as silly as many of his friends though.

So I guess that's a "sort of," maybe?

16? I would say it's typical teenager syndrome (TTS--just kidding). Without knowing more about your son's situation (school setting, peers, etc.) it seems similar to most 16 yr olds I know--at least around grown-ups.

If we take my DS15 away for the weekend, we see the old DS we know and love. He's so pleasant and interesting and helpful. If we stay in town and he hangs out with friends and goes through normal routine, he's more solemn or moody. Part of it is certainly school work, but part of it is peer pressure--not cool to hang out with your folks, chat, joke, etc.

One note--if you suspect he's depressed or has issues, make sure you try to talk to him and see if he needs help or intervention. 16 is such a tough age.

Hi cym. I must apologise, as one of my worst traits has come to the fore again........too little information!!!!

DS has been like this most of his life. He had the full bellied laugh as a baby but not much past that. He's very witty with a dry sense of humour and really enjoys making other people laugh, he just doesn't laugh out loud himself. Even the Principal said he was determined to see if he could get DS to smile before he leaves school next year. LOL. Mind you I don't think that will happen. The Principal is the last person he's likely to smile in front of! He was very moody in primary school but over the last few years has become very calm and even tempered and an absolute joy to be around. Hence my curiosity as to whether anyone else has a child with this trait.