School

my dad has had similar problems with my brother . who is in the tenth grade as well..and the similarties from my brother to your son are crazy. but rescently my dad had him checked out by a psychiatrist and it turns out he was just stressed and depressed..not about anything inparticular just chemically. he's on zoloft now and things have really turned around.this wasn't an over the night treatment my brother saw his psychiatrist about 8 times before my dad would agree to meds.
he's back to getting just about straight a's . he dosnt look forward to school but..he goes without complaint like it's normal routine. also my dad has made him join extra curricular activities and he has to participate in community service atleast 2 hours a week..he mentors in the big brother program. This program has really made him feel that he must lead by example and let me tell you. there is definite improvement in his attitude.
i know my dad could talk to him till he was blue in the face. we have an amazing father and the lines of communication are always an open book with my dad. just dont give up. something will work to get your son back to normal. you just have to find what motivates him! gl!!!

What about homeschooling or an online school such as Ohio Virtual Academy. I highly suggest reading the book, "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to quit school and get a real life and education." It totally explains how a child who use to love to learn eventually loses all interest.

Hi W.,

try checking out other options at the school. talk with one of the counslers about some other programs. I put my son in what they called a work & school program he had to be working 20 hrs a week at a job and attend school for 1/2 days and got credit for it. It seemed to break up his day and help him stay on track. Hope this helps.

We had similar issues with my younger brother who is in high school. He's very bright, well liked by his friends and did lots of volunteer work etc. The problem with school? He was bored. And comming from someone who only left high school three years ago I can understand. Even in the most simulating classes it becomes routine and very boring, with lots of busy work.

This may not be for you but we homeschool him now, and he has none of the former problems and is a brand new kid!

The community service is a great idea. Have you considered having him get a part time job. I would think the prospect of washing dishes the rest of his life might make school seam like a pretty good idea.

I'm not saying this is the case with your child, but sometimes when students start having 'school avoidance' issues it could be related to how he is being treated at school. Is he being bullied? Was there a fight or falling out with friends? Did he recently start/stop dating or was he rejected by someone he had a crush on? Maybe he doesn't feel emotionally safe at school?

I could be way off base, but something to look into if you're not finding a solution. Good luck to you.

Is there a technical school that he could attend in your area ? I know myself, that I attended a tech school my junior and senior year, and that made all the difference in the world, I graduate from school with my diploma and a certificate of training from the tech school. Maybe a chance at some hands on learning, and the chance to learn a trade or tech career could help keep him school. I would ask him what he thinks, what he wants from his future. I know life is different now then it was when I grad 15 yrs ago. It is harder and harder to keep kids in school, this might be worth a try. And I agree with the mom that said get him a a part time job, alittle hard work might make him reconsider his choices.