what is an effective punishment for high school boys who get C's on their rpt cards & have ability to pull A's

Answer 1

Teenage boys often go through this faze. I have no easy solution. Usually it ends when they realize they need grades for college. I went through the faze up to the second half of my third year of high school, and suddenly I started making the A's. Punishment is not an option.

Answer 2

My question is, since you can read minds (you "know" they can get A's) why are you asking this question?

There are a varity of influences on grades. Teachers who are substance abusers (I had one of those...); new students disrupting the classroom; etc.

I would look at enviroment first (do you change chools often causing instability? What has changed?) and then the student. Of course this requires looking in the mirror, also....

Also, in my case, my parents refused to admit that there was anything I couldn't do becuase I was "smart" and there was "nothing wrong" with anybody in our family, ergo I was OK too. So did the school. Guess what? I still can't (and never will be able to - I have a form of dyslexia) spell correctly, or do algebric problems correctly.

It isn't all about the parents and who inherited what gene from who - it is about the unique problems each student faces.

Perhaps a non-biased (i.e., not connected with the school system you use, not a relative, not a friend) qualified (teacher, or pysch degree... not a pastor, "nice person", or "smart person") individual should evaluate the children in question.

Just be prepared for an answer you don't like.... If you do have a child with some sort of lexia, or an enviromental problem that can't be corrected, you may find yourself having to spend your own time tutoring, something most parents are unwilling to do.

Blaming the child and thinking that punishment will help won't fix the problem - but it sure is a quick, easy, and cheap answer.

Answer 3

Punishing them isn't going to get you anywhere other than alienating them. Perhaps you should hire a tutor to work with them until they pull their grades up. Don't treat the tutoring as a punishment either or they just won't go. Act like you are doing this to help them. However, I wouldn't allow them to go out school nights unless it's to the library.

I am saying "them" because of your question. I'm assuming you are talking about your son. A "C" is not a failure but the grades need to be up if they are planning on going to university/college.

Answer 4

First, determine on what basis you feel they can get A's. Is it because they used to? When?

OK, assuming that they really are capable and it's sheer laziness...

Require that all homework be completed before other activities. After school, they have to come home and immediately do their homework and study. No friends, no phone, no playing games or surfing the net.

They then need to show you their homework. You don't need to grade it, but look it over to see that it looks like it was carefully done. If it's sloppy, let them know.

If they complaint, say "I'll make you a deal. You bring your grades up and we can go back to the old way. It's your choice. You have the fantastic ability to make your own choices. Do you want to make the choice that lets you control your own life? Or do you want ME to do it?"

Answer 5

Restrict some privileges from them. They need to know that they have to earn the privileges they have at home or away from home...like the phone, cell phone, video games, computer use, tv, visiting with friends, going out to the movies, etc.
Make them earn it or think up a reward system to get them to focus more on their school work. Offer reward money for A's on the report card.

Answer 6

Take away something they like till they pull up there grades(video games, T. V. ect..)

Answer 7

Geez, glad you're not my mom. How about incentive. I could maybe see punishment for failing, although failing is punishment of it's own kind.

Answer 8

Flogging.

Answer 9

he is passing and you want to punish him? OMG...I am glad you aren't my mother!