13 yr old boy -- help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2003
13 yr old boy -- help!
3
Tue, 01-24-2006 - 3:44pm

My SO's son is 13. He is in the 7th grade for the second time this year. For the first semester of this school year he failed 2 classes. We have asked him several times if is wants to be in 7th grade again and he says no but he is making no attempt at bringing grades up. He thought that bringing a 30 up to a 50 was something we should be glad about. I explained to him that it was still an F and not a passing grade. Last Thursday, he had a test so when I asked him what he made on it he said "a 72 - that is a good grade". He has no ambition whatsoever to learn at school. However, he wants to learn everything he can when it comes to video games. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have only raised daughters and so the "boy world" is a totally different one for me.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2000
Tue, 01-24-2006 - 4:18pm

Hi and welcome to the board.

Pam
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Tue, 01-24-2006 - 5:27pm
This boy should be evaluated for learning disabilities. They are much more common in boys than in girls.
Avatar for deenow17
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-12-2004
Tue, 01-24-2006 - 9:30pm

I agree that your DS should be tested for learning disabilities but you may also need to find a different school for him. Some studies show that boys don't learn well in the structured school environment. They normally need to be more active and they tend to enjoy figuring out things. Schools aren't normally structured to handle different kids. I watched my DS shine in gr 5 when he had a young male teacher. This teacher gave them flexibility in their assignments. I remember the joy on my DS's face when he came home with an A+ for an oral presentation (he had received Ds before). The teacher let my DS give his speach on being a hockey referee. He spent hours memorized every call & signal required. He researched each piece of equipment they wore & explained why certain brands were better as they were safer. My DS got straight As for the first & last time that year. I would do it differently, if I could do it over. I would search for a school program that would encourage my DS's interests and individuality.

Good luck, Dee.