School

Updated on April 25, 2007
W.B. asks from Akron, OH
7 answers

My son always liked school, mostly recieving A & B's until junior high he started loosing interest, and to this day it's a hassle to get him to go. I've tried everything, and even physically made him go. When he's their he gets okay grades, and has many friends, and is well like by all the teachers, but keeps going through rough times about attending. My morning consist of stress in seeing him off, and hoping the next day won't be the same.We're pretty close, and he does to this day tell me alot, that most teenagers won't talk to their parents about. I see alot worse kids and know he has a good heart, and this is the big issue with him. Any advice on how to keep letting him know how important school is, and it's not an option with me this he knows and is held accountable for all his wrongs, he's alot bigger than me, but he still knows I'm not playing when I expect something of him, and won't change my mind! He's in the tenth grade now.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the advice, and instead of writing indivisually this is the best way to tell all of you thanks. My son is at Digital Academy, to days and works on a computer the others ones, already have done this. He has done community service, in couseling, and group teenage couseling, and been tested for emotional problems as well! I got him into a job work program at our home school first, he ruined that, and the Digital was the last resort, it's not horrible, but he still thinks lifes a joy ride, or at times maybe mom will always take care of me?? He's never really been bullied, and has been taught to stand up for himself, but not start trouble either. He's very likeable and has many friends, and a girlfriend who's very responsible and mature for her age (works two part-time jobs, and school too) We are looking for him a job, and he also has got one from me to do on the week-ends. I'll never give up on him, and just hope he'll look at school, and life more serious in the future. I'm proud of the person he is, and have mostly been the mom & dad for him since 4, because that's what I've had to do! He does have a father that lives close (I divorced in 1999) and he is more of a friend then a parent or doesn't care about how he is doing too at times. He's the cool dad that buys things he can't afford to get attention, and be the good guy, but Matt knows this and gets his caring, love, and essentials from me, and lets it be known, to everyone. Unless you work together as parents, together or divorced it's always a struggle to help your child. Thanks for all the advice, and especially from young girl sharing her experience with her brother, that is what life's about, and how we learn!

More Answers

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A.B.

answers from Canton on

my dad has had similar problems with my brother . who is in the tenth grade as well..and the similarties from my brother to your son are crazy. but rescently my dad had him checked out by a psychiatrist and it turns out he was just stressed and depressed..not about anything inparticular just chemically. he's on zoloft now and things have really turned around.this wasn't an over the night treatment my brother saw his psychiatrist about 8 times before my dad would agree to meds.
he's back to getting just about straight a's . he dosnt look forward to school but..he goes without complaint like it's normal routine. also my dad has made him join extra curricular activities and he has to participate in community service atleast 2 hours a week..he mentors in the big brother program. This program has really made him feel that he must lead by example and let me tell you. there is definite improvement in his attitude.
i know my dad could talk to him till he was blue in the face. we have an amazing father and the lines of communication are always an open book with my dad. just dont give up. something will work to get your son back to normal. you just have to find what motivates him! gl!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

What about homeschooling or an online school such as Ohio Virtual Academy. I highly suggest reading the book, "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to quit school and get a real life and education." It totally explains how a child who use to love to learn eventually loses all interest.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Columbus on

Hi W.,

try checking out other options at the school. talk with one of the counslers about some other programs. I put my son in what they called a work & school program he had to be working 20 hrs a week at a job and attend school for 1/2 days and got credit for it. It seemed to break up his day and help him stay on track. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Dayton on

We had similar issues with my younger brother who is in high school. He's very bright, well liked by his friends and did lots of volunteer work etc. The problem with school? He was bored. And comming from someone who only left high school three years ago I can understand. Even in the most simulating classes it becomes routine and very boring, with lots of busy work.

This may not be for you but we homeschool him now, and he has none of the former problems and is a brand new kid!

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T.

answers from Columbus on

The community service is a great idea. Have you considered having him get a part time job. I would think the prospect of washing dishes the rest of his life might make school seam like a pretty good idea.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

I'm not saying this is the case with your child, but sometimes when students start having 'school avoidance' issues it could be related to how he is being treated at school. Is he being bullied? Was there a fight or falling out with friends? Did he recently start/stop dating or was he rejected by someone he had a crush on? Maybe he doesn't feel emotionally safe at school?

I could be way off base, but something to look into if you're not finding a solution. Good luck to you.

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C.J.

answers from Youngstown on

Is there a technical school that he could attend in your area ? I know myself, that I attended a tech school my junior and senior year, and that made all the difference in the world, I graduate from school with my diploma and a certificate of training from the tech school. Maybe a chance at some hands on learning, and the chance to learn a trade or tech career could help keep him school. I would ask him what he thinks, what he wants from his future. I know life is different now then it was when I grad 15 yrs ago. It is harder and harder to keep kids in school, this might be worth a try. And I agree with the mom that said get him a a part time job, alittle hard work might make him reconsider his choices.

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