Hmm... a tough one. Originally I was right there with you, Janie, but then in reading other responses I started to change my mind. But it in the end, here's where it stands for me: if it were (almost literally) anyone else, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But if it were one of the women in my family? I'd definitely smell ulterior motive and I would definitely be pissed and try to steer my kid clear of them. Kind of interesting, though, that I have one brother that I think I'd be OK with - even though his wife is pretty much at the top of my "beware" list. Yeah, I have family issues. ?

That is just not right! (But I'd be right there with you gloating about my lower tax bill!)

Thanks for the article. That was interesting. I do decline the sticker now, and I did pass it to the kid when he was younger. Thanks for not getting too upset with me for butting in on your happy thread. ?

I don't mean to rain on the parade, but the stickers stick in my craw. Given the shaky financial situation in my state (and likely many others), I think those dollars could be far better spent than on stuff that goes straight in the trash. #curmudgeon /rant

I'm sorry to hear this terrible news, and I'm sorry you have to tell your daughter in less-than-ideal circumstances. Wishing peace and healing to all of your family.

Many of these posts have me dying to guess, in a goofy sort of way. If I accidentally do that with the kid of a poster, I apologize - I'm trying to contain myself to the ones with a story about somebody else's kid. So for Quill's story - I think the name is Kardashia. Arsonio. HHeattherr?

Good for you, Jenny! Fingers crossed!

I can't let this thread fall to page 2 without pointing out that your thoughtfulness and generosity makes you a member of your own "nice people" category. :)

Oh my, how frightening. Sending good thoughts your way! I hope you hear a positive update soon.

Spent WAY too much time on College Confidential. It doesn't frighten me nearly as much as it did a year ago, though, so I guess I've made some progress against my constant fretting.... But at least I got our taxes done.

testing.... Hooray, it works! :)

:svengo: :svengo: :svengo: Imagine if the transition happened on April 1... she could be SO cruel! ;)

You're going to spend those days tweeting like a madwoman, right? Right?! <breathes deeply but furiously with brown paper bag>

No offense intended to you or your DH, but I made a very big deal out of teaching DS the following: 1. If you can't find the courage to talk to your partner about sex, you aren't ready to have sex. 2. If you can't find the courage to buy condoms, you aren't ready to have sex. 3. If you can't find the courage to talk to your doctor (male or female) about sex, you aren't ready to have sex.

I am so sorry, Melissa. What a horrible outcome. Total injustice. I agree completely, Wishes.

Agreeing with 8 - now that we're in, I can say it was worth dragging my carcass out of the bed! But hoo boy did I oversleep this morning ... DS will be happy for a shorter day, I'm sure.

So nice to see you here again! I have nothing to offer on your question, but wanted to congratulate you on the expanding family. Glad to hear the rookie is OK after such a rough start.

I have found it very helpful to think in this way - and it also made me think that this is how colleges present themselves, as well. No tour guide would ever say "our dorms are good, but the food stinks" or "if you're into Romance languages, go anywhere else - our programs are the pits." So, thank you, daijobu!

Very helpful illustration. Thank you. Small question: I thought the philosophy of the school belonged in the school report, along with local demographics, reasons for homeschooling, etc. Am I wrong about that too?

I'm sure you're right. Thankfully, no Ds yet.... I guess I just thought an honest, complete assessment was what colleges were looking for - not just the good stuff. As for your question, I'm not really sure what they're supposed to do with any of the information! I mean, personality traits like social/quiet, studious/active, etc. might help them create a varied cohort, but otherwise, if everybody's a star, nobody can shine, YKIM?

I just remembered this thread that I started back in Dec. 2015: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/578983-have-you-had-a-euphemistic-come-to-jesus-talk-with-your-teen/ I've been beating the same drum for a long time!

I think it does contribute to under-performance. As I mentioned to Lori above, he dropped a grade in an art class because he wouldn't watch all of the assigned videos. There are other, less quantifiable effects, too, as simple as banging out a halfhearted essay loaded with errors instead of focusing on doing quality work. Then there are the failed Spanish tests because he wouldn't learn the vocabulary.... (Note to self: It's February. He's driving you crazy because it's February. ;) )

Good points all around, Lori. Thank you!

If any of you wrote a counselor recommendation that addressed some weakness amidst all the strengths, how did you do it? My son, for example, has some difficulty with self-discipline. Part of this is understandable, I think, because unlike a B&M student who has teachers around all the time, my son often has several hours at home alone while I'm at work. So he has no one to keep his feet to the fire. But, of course, his situation in college will be much closer to our scenario than to that of the public HS, and I'm afraid a college would see a red flag. Any ideas? Anyone willing to share how you handled your own child's less-than-stellar traits?

Good vibes comin' your way, G.