catz Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 (edited) I didn't read all the responses, but my kid has competive college ready Act as a 9th grader but I won't graduate him early. That said we can do 2 years of free college as a dual enrolled student without graduating or losing freshman status when applying to colleges. So that makes it a good option. He's book smart, but can reall use some more work on focus and motivation. He has no idea what he wants to do. The way I look at it there are new high school grads heading to Harvard with amazing credentials and perfect act scores all the way down to kids that don't take the ACT and have no college plans at all. But again we have that dual enrollment option. If my kid had a particular focus and was pushing to graduate early, I might chose differently. Edited September 1, 2016 by WoolySocks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 I'm sorry you're having a rough time. It sounds like you've been down for awhile now. I hope it gets better soon. It's very hard to keep trekking when we feel so flat and unmotivated. I don't think anyone has a one-size fits all answer. I usually bump up my Ben & Jerry consumption along with increasing my workouts. Getting away for a day (or longer if one can) with a friend helps. Sometimes, I just have to shut off even if things are not done. I have to walk into my room and shut the door and turn off teacher mode and even wife/mother mode. I know you don't want to spend money, but I'll suggest a writing course. My kids did an online Bravewriter class and it was great. The classes are short (6 weeks usually) so if he doesn't like it he's not committed for a long time. Just a suggestion even though it does cost money. If you have the money it can breath new life into you by taking something off your plate. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 So sorry you are having a hard time, Sparkly. Hugs to you and hope it gets better soon. :grouphug: I don't have any wise words of advice -- I'm in a similar boat with my 13 year old. Help! I did not go through this with my older dd, but holy moly, my younger dd is bound and determined to be difficult! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Our first week this year was dreadful. Whining, collapsing on the floor, hiding under the table, etc. I yelled. I got upset. It was bad. The second week, I gave out chocolate chips for work done with a good attitude. One chip per section of work (about 6-10 problems in math, for instance). A mini donut for a whole reading assignment. Etc. Worked SO darned well it was worth the extra sugar. It seems like the bad attitude was a habit, and once she started it for the day, it JUST KEPT GOING. Getting in the habit of being cheerful made SUCH a difference for the whole day. Seriously. Like it was a different kid. Plus she worked so much faster. I could then, after a day or two, point out how much more quickly and easily the work was when she was in a good mood, rather than fighting her brain. Try some carrots. And remember, to be effective, they have to be small and quick. Not end of the day stuff. Every few minutes stuff. Maybe a slip of paper that means a minute of screen time, or a nickel or dime per problem for a kid that doesn't like sweets. Whatever. And yes, outsource. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Outsourcing is our friend. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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