My turn for a family vent

[Nancy]

Today was my nephews birthday, he turned 15. Little background first: This nephew has struggled through school since pre-school, he has a short term learning disabilty and has been getting help for this. He was held back in kindergarden and now he was just told he will not be graduating with his 8th grade class (Catholic school) Graduation is Wednesday and he was told on Friday. So anyway, he is really down on himself and getting a bit depressed.

Today the whole family was coming over for his birthday and his Dad left the party before we even had cake or opened presents to go play poker with his friends! Nephew made a few smark alleck comments about how his Dad just goes and leaves on his birthday trying to make us think it's no big deal, but when it came time to do candles and cake he refused to come out and was just laying in his bed saying he was too tired. I personally don't blame nephew, if your Dad doesn't care enough to stick around on your Birthday, why bother. I couldn't believe with all that my nephew has been through the last 2 days that he couldn't tell his buddies that he couldn't play poker tonight he needed to stay home. My SIL was fine with it cause "he looks forward to his poker nights"......uummm excuse me, your son looks forward to his birthday and it would have been nice if his Dad did too!

Vent over!

 

[Serena]

Vent away. The poor kid needs his dad, and the dad won't realize what he's done until it's too late.

 

[RitaZ.]

Vent away. The poor kid needs his dad, and the dad won't realize what he's done until it's too late.

I agree.

 

[kimbac3]

That sucks! Poor kid. Don't you just want to smack your nephew's dad and say "SNAP OUT OF IT, YOUR KID NEEDS YOU!" Sometimes I just don't get people
Sending pixie dust for your nephew
Kimba

 

[shortbun]

Hopefully when the old man need the kid in his later year, the kid will be playing poker and too busy to come.

 

[AC7179]

Aww, your poor nephew. I hope he was able to have an okay birthday and he can maybe do summer school or something to be able to join his classmatse next year?

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Cats in the Cradle Harry Chapin comes to mind

 

[Serena]

Cats in the Cradle Harry Chapin comes to mind

Me too.

 

[Nancy]

Cats in the Cradle Harry Chapin comes to mind

Yep, that's what I thought too. My Dh was really mad (he s not too crazy about his sister's husband to begin with, but tonight clinched it)

I'm not sure about summer school, he failed more than 2 classes and I think he can only make up 2 over summer. He will be moving to a public school for the rest of his school years, I'm hoping the district comes through for this kid.

The worst thing is his final grades from his failing classes were 71, 71, 73 and 74. Passing is 75. Since the finals had essays couldn't the teachers have given him just a few more points so he could pass? I normally wouldn't say that or just recommend putting a kid through, but they know he gets remedial help, they know how hard he works.

I also want to smack my SIL, she shoots her mouth off about stupid stuff all the time, but something this important and she was ok with him leaving. Thankfully my MIL lives right next door and she gives him lots of hugs and attention.

 

[ktpool]

Poor kid...I can only imagine that maybe if Dad spent more time with him, he wouldn't be in this position to beging with. Pixie dust to your nephew! I hope his next year is much better.

 

[miss missy]

The Dad just doesn't get it does he And SIL too The boy has no parent that gives a crap and he knows it!

Best you can do is let the boy know you believe in him and give him support. He just needs someone to believe he is worth their time!