How can i help my 12 year old son gain more confidence? he doesn't push himself, always assuming he is going to fail.

Fear of failure or : Performance anxiety may signify low self-esteem or chronic depression that can harmfully impact your son's academics & peer interactions as well as his behavior. Only a child psychiatrist & child psychologist can determine the etiology (cause) of his symptoms, then discuss treatment/therapy options with you & your son. Adhd & learning disabilities confer ⬆ed risk of anxiety & depression.

Not failing enough: Maybe it would help to explain to him that he needs to fail far more frequently than he's been failing- for lack of trying. Although it may be super-human to enjoy failing, learning to fail and not feel overly wounded can be liberating. I could have used some similar coaching when i was 12.