I’ve been wanting to share this story with you for a while now. When my son was in Jr. High, he started veering off track. His grades were D’s and F’s and he was giving attitude to his teachers. I found all this out during the dreaded parent/teacher conference, and when we were walking out the door of the classroom, my son was looking at me and asking “Mom, what’s going to happen, what are you going to do?" I kept my cool. I said, "Obviously you’re distracted. I’m going to help you. We’re going to remove all distractions from you so you can focus on your schoolwork.” “What does that mean Mom?” he asked. I said very calmly: “No friends, No TV, no movies, no sleepovers, no parties, no video games, no phone, no ice cream.” He asked wide-eyed, “When do I get everything back Mom?” My reply “When I see a good report card.”
That was a difficult three months for him, but Dr. Laura, I’m convinced that that was a major turning point in his life. As you say, a parent’s goal shouldn’t be to make sure kids are “happy.” I never again had to check his homework, nag about studying, fight about getting out of bed in the morning. NOTHING! I believe this “hard help” taught him to take the reins for his own life.
My son is now a police officer in his early 30s who is ultra-responsible and hard-working. He has a lovely fiancé too! I love all your wisdom, it has shaped my thinking and helped me in my life!
Jill
Putting My Son On The Path to Success
What did it take to put your child on the 'right track?' Share your stories of parental challenges by emailing me at drlaura@drlaura.com!