He is so smart. I got his first grade card a couple of weeks ago, 2 Fs (Science and Computer Lit) and a D+ in English. The rest of his grades were acceptable. The problem isn't that he doesn't understand the subject matter in these classes, but that he simply doesn't do the work, doesn't turn in homework assignments, NOTHING!
I started having trouble with him last year and he barely passed the 7th grade. Now, here it is the beginning of a new school year and he's doing the exact same thing. He's grounded, of course, but that doesn't seem to make a difference to him. Last night his English teacher called to tell me he hasn't turned in any assignments since the beginning of the new quarter, that he simply sits there at his desk doing nothing while the rest of the class works. She said he seems to be easily distracted.
When I talk to him about school, he gives me attitude. Last night after I hung up with the English teacher, I was very angry, and proceeded to ground him longer and took away his IPod. He had the audacity to say "mom, you're really making me mad (only he didn't say "making me mad"). I took step toward him because I was about ready to slap his disrespectiful mouth and he said "you better not lay a hand on me." He threatened me! So I basically took a deep breath and said "son you do not want to take me on." And then I proceeded to tell him that he would be staying after school with his English teacher until further notice and that I will be picking him up every day after school to make sure he brings home all his books and homework.
I don't know what else to do. I have asked his teachers to keep me informed via email cause I'm always at my computer during the day. His Science teacher just emailed me and said he didn't turn in his assignment today. After all that last night and he STILL didn't turn in his assignment!
I tried to be understanding because he's at a new school in a new town, but socially he's happier than I've seen him in a long time. He has made a bunch of new friends, he's planning on going out for the basketball team. At first I tried to blame his attitude problems on the move and the new school, but he was doing the exact same thing last year at his old school. His dad and I have separated and maybe that has something to do with it, but life has been less stressful without his dad here, even my son has said so.
Please give me some advice. I've thought about talking to the school counseling, going to family counseling, having my son see a therapist. I just don't know what to do. I feel like I'm failing as a parent here and I don't know what to do.
Thanks for letting me spill my guts. |
