There is a new thing emerging at our house...it is called...A TEENAGER!...My first always being an over achiever has decided to start early at the age of 12 1/2. Lucky us!
He is absolutely driving me insane with procrastination! He has had a book report assigned for at least a month. He is an avid reader...so the book has been read about 2 days after the assignment was made. That is a plus. It is the "doing" the report part that he just puts off. I made little goals for him, asked him to please get this done before spring break...it is due the day he goes back. For the sake of the family...we wouldn't have to worry about it and we could have a pleasant vacation...but NOOOOOOO! Now I get to spend my days reminding him over and over...he insists it is done...well all except ... fill in the blank...
He finally showed me his half done work. I have been trying hard to clean up my language lately ( not doing so hot) but his report is crap! I can't even read half of it...misspelled words, no puncuation, and it is barely readable. I am beyond frustrated. I offered to help by proof reading and giving assistance...he sits there and poo poo's my suggestions and then sits there and wants me to do it for him...
I have tried the nice mom...helpful...willing to help him organize himself...make baby goals so he wouldn't be overwhelmed...get him the things he needs at the store. etc. Only to be completely ignored...
So today we resorted to the more direct approach. Get it done or else. That is when he showed me his "progress" like I said earlier...crap!
We have taken away the Wii, the computer and the tv. He goes behind our backs and sneaks them. We have tried threats, yelling, persuasion, understanding, more yelling...
Nothing seems to be getting through...what do I do next?
What do I do?
Let him fail?
Strip his room down to the mattress?
Sit there with him like he is a two year old and watch him form every letter?
Today is Fri. Tomorrow we have some things to do at church...then it is Easter Sunday. Mon the report is due.
I want to tear out my hair...
I know why some animals in the wild eat their young!
Any suggestions?
Well, I can totally relate! My kids hit this stage the second they turned 12. I liked being a Mom until then...
ReplyDeleteThe verdict on my kids is still out, so I can't say you should follow my advice until yousee how my story ends!
But, I would let the natural consequences fall. You've already tried everything else. It sounds like he knows you will keep trying until you make sure he gets a good grade. When he gets a bad one, maybe he'll care??? My boys didn't seem to care... but when they got a bit older, they did.
Enjoy your vacation. He only gets to do the things you can't keep him from without punishing the whole family.
To give you hope.... Nate was my worst one at procrastinating homework... he still only writes two sentence e-mails! But, he's serving a faithful mission. It will all be OK.
I agree. You've done all you can...but they're just going to end up doing what they want. I remember, it not being so long ago ;). Try letting him swing it alone for awhile and see if that makes a difference. All kids are different...but it seems like all teenagers are the same! Haha I'm not looking forward to it...good luck!
ReplyDeleteRemember that it's HIS education-- succeed, or fail. Just like Heavenly Father does with us. It's okay! It's okay, I promise. *grin* (P.S.- My eldest 3 are 15, 13, and 12. It's all good...)
ReplyDelete{{{HUGS}}}