Tough time with teenager
ByI am having mother of a teenager angst today. Last weekend we told my 13 year old son he needed to turn in quite a few missing assignments for school that he hadn’t done. We listed them on paper so he would know exactly which ones to do. And we said if they weren’t turned in by Friday, he was not going to go with us to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City with the indoor water park.
We thought that would be a big enough incentive because he loves that place. On Friday he said he completed it all. On Saturday we got a note from the school saying he had a detention next week for not turning in math homework. It turns out he was still missing 4 math assignments.
There was no way we could allow him to go with us to Great Wolf Lodge. But, it was sooo hard. I hated having to do it. Jeff just drove him down to his parents house where they agreed to watch him. No computer. No TV. A list of homework and we told them he is available for any chores his parents needed doing.
Any helpful hints? Ideas? Sympathy?
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Of course, sympathy! How difficult! You did right! Stuck to your guns. I always tell DD – be sure YOU are truly prepared to go through w/it. Certainly plan on having another discussion w/your DS about how sorry you are that he made the decision to NOT be w/the family, as he clearly knew his options. I am not sure how much ‘follow-through’ a 13 yr-old boy has. I didn’t raise our DS, I only raised a DD. But, I do know there are a lot of differences. However, I think once the teen-age years are upon you, there is ONE major similarity – they just can’t seem to follow-through. Procrastination is a major deal for teens. Be his accountability partner, set up checks & balances to ensure he is doing what needs to be done, etc. You’re doing good! It is a rough time, but as our DBev says “this too shall pass!”
Thanks, Neasie!
Beth