amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

outsidelookinin · 02-26-2009, 07:33 PM

So both my boys are in 7th grade. My oldest was held back in K which puts him in the same grade as my youngest.
The issue is with my youngest. He is a smart kid, he test for AP classes last year.
So against my somewhat better judgment we put him in FULL AP classes.
English and History, Science and Math. He was the most apprehensive about Eng./Hist. But up until now which is about the 1/2 way point he has been doing GREAT. Well great considering he went from 6th grade level work last year to 8th grade level work this year.
Math has been the toughest for him. But with some help he got that grade to a steady C+ for the last 3 grading cycles.
He(both of them) has been on the Honor Roll since the start of the year.
TODAY it hits! I got 4 period grades! He is getting a D in English and a D in Math.
Math I figured was coming sooner than later just because he skipped an entire years worth of process and was struggling getting it. She takes late assignments so when I find out he is missing one I make him do it and turn them in. Better late than never right.
The English is was kills me, he has had a strong B in that class all year. Up until now then all of a sudden it dropped to a D. I don't get it. He gets whats going on he reads @ a 10th grade level. So I know he is getting that part of class. The writing im guessing is what is holding him up.

SO.................
Do I ground him for his grades? Do I take certain privileges away until we get the missing work done?
How should I handle it?
Any BTDT would be great any advice would be great!

outsidelookinin · 02-26-2009, 09:34 PM

7 views and not a single comment?
WOW I know I showered this morning?

O well.

copmom · 02-26-2009, 10:59 PM

How does he feel about his grades? Is he struggling, or just not working as hard as you would like to see him work?
IMO, if he is not intentionally screwing up, I don't see how grounding him would help him get better. Punishing him for something out of his control just sets you both up for failure.
How are his study habits?

SmartyMama · 02-26-2009, 11:17 PM

I think it would depend on why my kid was struggling. If he wasn't turning in assignments and goofing off in class then yes, there would be punishment. If my kid was trying his hardest and still struggling I would be more inclined to give him a pep talk, some extra help and a hug.

That's how we handle it with our teens anyway.

outsidelookinin · 02-26-2009, 11:25 PM

Well after DH got home and I told him. We had more of a conversation with ds about it. He said the homework he is missing is sentences that take too much time and that's why he doesn't do them. So yes there is a sort of lazy factor involved.
So DH and I will discuss further after they are in bed.
Thanks for the input