Aboutshanac Expertise Questions from parents who are noticing changes in their adolecent and think problems may be brewing, questions regarding specific problems they are already experiencing, information on warning signs if they think their child may be having problems, questions regarding fighting with parents, sibling rivlary, school problems, addiction problems, relationship issues (eg their child is in a relationship and parent has concerns), and anything else you can think of.
Experience 15 years working with an adolescent population providing counselling. I have probably worked with over 1000 clients in that time. Have been used to testify in court and write reports for sentencing.
Education/Credentials M.A. Counselling Psychology For a complete list of my credentials, visit my website at www.counselingappointment.com.
Question My 14 year-old step-son is doing poorly in school this year. Two years ago, he was at the top of his class, participating in special programs, etc. Over the past two years, his grades have grdually slipped. He is even failing science.
We spoke with his guidance counselor last year, and were basically told, "well he still has a passing average, so you shouldn't worry about it." Since this time things have gotten worse.
What can/should we do to motivate our son to do better? He is the kind of kid that never had to work hard in school, and I think that is part of the problem. He can't just show up and get A's anymore.
Please help!!
Heather
Answer Hi Heather, You are probably right, as they get into higher grades the work does become more challenging and if they never really had to study, they didn't learn good study habits before. Now he's into puberty and the last thing on his mind may be school work. You didn't say whether he has continued with his extra curricular activities or if those have stopped. If the only change is in the school work I wouldn't worry too much. As most 14 year olds he probably hasn't really figured out why school is important. Maybe the bad grades or summer school will motivate him. If his friends have changed or decreased, or if you notice any other changes then you may want to look at other possibilities e.g. drug use, depression. If it's just the school work, don't rescue him. He will figure it out once his summer gets screwed up with school. He obviously has the brains and there isn't any learning disabilities. Let him sort this out himself (as hard as that is for you!)
