Kids..

[CRB#33]

My DS (13) messed up a few homework assignments and has basically fallen back into some bad study/organization habits.

Why is it that he thinks it's okay to get ticked off at me when he gets in trouble when he's the one who messed up?

I know that sounds immature, but it really bothers me that he takes an attitude with me, when I take away a privilege until he gets his act together.

I guess we'll both just have to "get over it"

 

[MHopkins2]

I don't think you need to "get over" anything! Assuming the punishment fits the crime (e.g. I think two B's on homework = no TV for a month would be a smidge out of line ), my opinion is bad/made/lie. He'll learn.

 

[binny]

I feel your pain! we go through the same thing here... if you figure it out be sure to pass it on eh?

 

[Sandy V.]

What is it about 13 year old boys and homework? Mine is in a similar position. He brought home a "C" in Social Studies, mainly because he did the work and then left it in his backpack instead of turning it in. Argh!!

Luckily, the school has an online gradebook now. I go in every Wednesday and print off his current grades for the quarter, any missing assignments, etc. Then he and I go over it together, and I instruct him as to which teachers he needs to "square" things with. I then check with him the next day to make sure he followed through. I never miss a week. He now has an "A" in Social Studies, although he's got a low "B" in English now (heavy sigh). It's always something.

I'm pretty sure my son feels like I'm "on his back" all the time now, but that's tough. He'll get over it. Good work habits learned now develop into a strong work ethic for the future.

Good luck. Try and stay on top of the situation if you can. I befriended the Social Studies teacher, and it really helped us. Now I have to go make friends with the English teacher . . .

 

[Ellester]

I think that people in general, and kids especially, have trouble taking blame for their own actions. No one likes to admit that they are wrong, and your DS is wrong in this case. It's like when you want to kick the chair because you tripped over it! It's easier to get mad at mom than to get mad at yourself. Take some comfort in knowing that he's secure enough that you love him that he takes his anger out on you. He knows you'll still love him even when you feel like kicking him in the rear!

 

[KristaTX]

I don't have kids yet, but this thread made me think of the hilarious song from Bye Bye Birdie:

Kids!
I don't know what's wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say?
Kids!
They a disobedient, disrespectful oafs!
Noisy, crazy, dirty, lazy, loafers!
While we're on the subject:
Kids!
You can talk and talk till your face is blue!
Kids!
But they still just do what they want to do!
Why can't they be like we were,
Perfect in every way?
What's the matter with kids today? . . . . . .


Krista

 

[mickey65]

I wish more parents would take an active role in their child's assignments. I have called home to many of my student's parents about their child not having work done. They tell me it is my job to make sure the kids do the work (even the at home assignments!) Then....report cards webt out and I had those same parents call me to complain about their child's marks! Grrr

 

[Cruisin]

I agree with Ellester.
Maybe your son getting mad at you really had nothing to do with the subject that you were discussing at the time about his schoolwork.
Maybe he was upset about something else and he was taking it out on you.
Most people will take out their anger and frustrations on those they feel safe with. You are that safe place for your son. He knows that he can lash out at you and you will still love him.
You may be frustrated as all get out at him but he still feels secure that you will love him no matter how silly and childish his anger is.
(At least I hope this is true, cause my daughter sure gets snippy with me at times )