We got our son back

“We Got Our Son Back”

When Kevin was in lower secondary school, everyday life gradually became more difficult. He spent more and more time alone in his room. Gaming was the only thing that truly gave him a sense of achievement. Organised leisure activities had never really been his arena, and over time he became increasingly withdrawn.

“He never quite found where he belonged. He had few friends and struggled academically at school. We tried to encourage him to find something he enjoyed, but nothing seemed to click,” his parents explain.

Although Kevin had very little absence from school, daily life came at a high cost – both for him and for the family.

“When your child is struggling, it affects the whole family. You do the best you can with what you have, but the worries take up a lot of space.”

A safe place to be yourself

It was one of Kevin’s teachers who first told the family about Rocketman. The teacher knew Kevin well and thought the programme might be a good fit. After meeting Morten Laache, one of the founders of Rocketman Modum, the family immediately agreed to take part.

“Morten explained the values behind Rocketman and what they wanted to create for young people. It was all about safety, achievement and belonging. We knew right away that this was a place where Kevin could feel safe.”

One thing in particular stood out.

“There is zero tolerance for gossip, exclusion or bullying. Here, you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. Not every young person fits into traditional activities, but everyone needs a place where they can feel good and belong.”

Small steps that became major victories

The changes did not happen overnight. But little by little, Kevin’s parents began to notice a difference.

“He started looking forward to the activities and always wanted to attend the next gathering. He tried things we never imagined he would. That’s when we realised he felt safe enough to challenge himself.”

One experience, in particular, stands out in his mother’s memory.

“They were going go-karting, and we could tell Kevin was very nervous. He really didn’t want to drive, but he still wanted to join the group. With support from Ole, he eventually did one slow lap. That was all it took. He discovered that this was something he genuinely enjoyed.”

When Kevin came home that day, something had changed.

“We got home a child who was on top of the world. He had challenged himself and experienced success in an area he had never imagined he could master. He was absolutely beaming.”

Knowing someone is there

At Rocketman, the only expectation placed on young people is that they speak kindly about others and respect people for who they are. The goal is simply to spend time together and enjoy being in a safe and supportive environment.

For Kevin and his family, that has meant everything.

“He still has difficult periods from time to time. But now he knows he’s not alone. Earlier this year, he was going through a tough spell, and we told him he could call Morten if he needed someone to talk to. We could see his shoulders relax immediately. He exhaled. He knew he had someone there for him.”

His parents believe that sense of security has been crucial.

“The most important thing is that he dares to open up to someone. That he has adults around him who see him and meet him where he is.”

Tools for handling the tough days

Today, Kevin is far more active than he used to be. He goes for walks almost every day and has made close friends through Rocketman. He still has difficult days, but his parents feel he now has the tools to cope with them much better.

“He experiences achievement in many areas, not just gaming. He feels safe as part of a group and has learned that he can be himself around other people.”

That has had an impact on the entire family.

“When your children are doing well, life feels easier for parents too. We’ve all been able to relax.”

When asked what Rocketman has meant to them, one sentence always comes up:

“We got our son back.”

A message to other parents

To parents who recognise themselves in their story, they have a clear message:

“It is vital to experience both achievement and security. Everyone needs to feel that they belong somewhere – young people, adults and children alike. Don’t give up hope that your child will find their place.”

They add:

“We wish there were more Rocketman groups across the country. So many young people need something like this. For our family, it has been invaluable.”

About Rocketman

• Rocketman is designed for young people aged 13–18. Each participant is paired with their own activity mentor – a trusted older role model who acts like a big brother or sister and a supportive friend.
• An activity mentor is someone to talk to, someone who looks out for you, helps you make good choices, and takes you along on fun and exciting activities.

The focus is on safety, achievement and belonging – so that every young person can experience what it feels like to truly belong.

• Participants take part in exciting activities and experiences that build confidence, create a sense of achievement and open the door to new opportunities.