Parents, single or not, what did it take to make your teen to focus in school?

Question

My teen is at the point where just getting by is enough for her. She doesn't try and excell or give her schoolwork her best. I have talked and tried to listen, but everything is ok; let her tell it. I keep communications open, there is no tv or phone or internet till she gets her grades up. I'm at the point where I want to get her tested to see if she needs to be in a learning disability class, but this has been every since she started 7th grade. She is well capable of getting better grades, even her teachers have said it, but she just doesn't apply herself to focus. She says highschool is hard and that I don't understand, but how can I understand when she is not telling me what needs to be understood. I was a teen once. I wish I had had someone to talk to, but I didn't so I had to do what I had to do. She has it good, I am in school in the day, when she's home I'm home, I am totally open, but she isn't, I am at my wicks end with her, any suggestions? serious answers only.

Answer 1

I had a similar problem with my son, only he thought he had everything under control and it would all work out. He just tried to get by with doing as little work as possible. I met with teachers, counselors, vice principals at school, but he didn't get the message until graduation day when he was waiting in the registrars office for his final grades and he ended up not walking and graduating with his friends. Then he thought he could go to summer school to make up the classes, and they told him, sorry, summer school is for incoming seniors, you have to go to adult school. He did figure it out and went to adult ed and when he finished he got his diploma from his high school with the June date he should have graduated on it. But that was the worst year or two of my life. Nothing worked until it was important to him. Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, I do not have teens yet, but I am not far from one myself. Nothing that anyone said could make me try harder. I wish it had though. Does she have any idea f what she wants to be when shes older? Take her to a career work shop. We have them here in Florida at our work force center. Maybe that will spark an interest. If not, she will atleast be able to see the credentials that she will need to aquire before she can do anything in life. She may realize what a struggle it can be if she doesnt "pick up the pace". Take her to a college academics counselor. Speak with the counselor , without your daughter around, before the visit. This way he/she can prepare the materials and info. needed to let your daughter know what college kids go through, as far as curriculum. This may help her to become more aware of how important what she learns now really is. Take her out, and let her buy some new school supplies. New things made me want to organize and do better in school. If you can afford it, enroll her at Sylvan Learning Centers. They are nationwide, and can really lift her self confidence by helping her understand more and get ahead in schoolwork. Plus they help with homework and projects. You are doing the right things. It is really up to her to do what she needs to do, but as a mom, you must not give up.
Good luck!
mamaofthesweetest4

Answer 3

Have you looked into a homework club or volunteer tutoring? My childs school has parents that volunteer to help kids that are struggling a little bit.

Answer 4

Sorry, I don't know...my kids are and always have been interested in school from day one! They don't want a low paying job like their father has...that is their motivation!