parentingpleasures

Ok,

As I mentioned before, I have two teenagers and a wannabe teen. These two teens (one is in 8th and the other in 9th) are struggling in school, and they are smart as a whip. The problem: their work ethic stinks! I know they are smart because they are well above average on the Iowa testing and other tests they have taken, it’s just the DOING the homework part that is somehow lost in translation, if you know what I mean. So, my question to you is do you motivate your teens to do well, i.e., reward them, praise them, etc…or do you push and threaten (like I do often) and they resent you forever?

Obviously, as a parent, we all want our children to succeed in life, but how do we get them motivated enough to actually do it? My son wants to be a pilot (commercial) and has been playing simulation games since he was four. He has already flown in a two-seater with an instructor and did very well, even while I watched, hyperventillating the whole time! My point (and yes,  I do have one) is that he can do it. He is smart, but lazy. He has six worksheets in math, as of now, that are undone and has a quiz to retake. His counselor suggested, well actually told him, he won’t become a pilot, if he doesn’t DO the work.

I mean, at some time, he has to make the decision on whether he is going to succeed or not, right? However, as a parent, I want to kick his hiney into gear, and yet, nothing I say will make the difference, so I am hoping the counselor got through to him. I would be interested in your ideas or things you have tried, as a parent, teacher, grandparent, etc…that has motivated a child.

Please, I am in desperate need of help!

Oh, and have a great day!

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