Some of you may remember that I was having a difficult time with my son Joe and school.  He is a very bright kid who just hates school and always has.   I was just certain that if he were to attend a public high school here in STL,  he would either get lost due to so many students or end up dropping out.   After many arguments between Randy and me, we chose to allow him to attend a small private school of his choice.   Well... guess what?  He hated it too and has decided to leave.

I have been just heart broken about this decision.... Until now.   I got in touch with the city schools.  They have a program that he can attend for three hours a day to earn his diploma.   He will work all of that time on a computer.  Once he is proficient in a skill he will move on until he reaches the requirements to graduate.   There was a long waiting list for the program but, because he needs only 2 1/2 credits to graduate, he has been bumped to the top of the list.  Just so happens there is an immediate opening!   He may end up being a graduate by Jan!

I'm just so happy and relieved that I had to share!  You all were so helpful and supportive before.  I wanted to give you an update!

Pain free wishes to you all,

Jeannie

Sounds like a good solution, Jeannie.  I'm sure it's a big relief.  Some kids just despise school and it seems to only gets worse the longer they go.  Do I remember you mentioning he's interested in the military?  That may just be his calling....and a noble one it is.

Jackie,

He was interested in the Marines but we are concerned that his asthma will prevent him from joining.  His plan was always to end up being a police officer.   Military service would help get him into the academy.  Hopefully he still can even if he is unable to serve. 

Jeannie that is very good news.... been there done that... I will keep Praying that Joe continue to move forward..

Peace & Blessings
LadyLuv

Jeannie - my youngest daughter was like that too.  She dropped out of high school and did random type jobs for a long time - got married - had kids - then decided to get her PSW diploma as a college course.  She did that and then thought she should be able to tell her kids she'd graduated high school so back she went.  We went to her high school grad 3 years ago (she will be 37 next week!).  Now she's busily taking American Sign Language courses as she works in the only nursing home of its kind in Canada - the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf. 

Some kids just take longer but I'd be willing to bet you that he will get there - just maybe not in the fashion that you would like to see.

Hang in there Mama!

Jeanne - that's great news about Joe. Some kids just can't deal with routine of the traditional tracks I guess. Glad your school district has a program that can accomodate his needs. And with only 2.5 credits to go, you all should be able to celebrate pretty soon!

That is very good news!  Thanks for the update 8-)

Being a good parent is the hardest job in the world.  He's luck to have you two.  Some day he'll realize that  ;)

-Dennis-

DennisM1045 wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2010 at 12:13pm:

That is very good news!  Thanks for the update 8-) Being a good parent is the hardest job in the world.  He's luck to have you two.  Some day he'll realize that  ;) -Dennis-

Thanks Dennis.   I need that.  It seems like each day presents a new challenge when you have a teen. Today has certainly proven true to that.  He seems to think he is so grown up while at the same time is dependent on us.    I keep telling myself that our butting heads is normal but I'm really tired of all the stress.  Just when I think that we've reached a new turning point, something else causes an argument.     :-/

One of my teens, who shall remain nameless, recently announced "I'm so glad that I don't depend on you for anything anymore".  Now this was her way of saying he is proud of meeting her financial commitments.  A fact of which I am proud of too.

After saying as much I then proceeded to list for her the many ways in which my money and efforts still go to supporting her.  Somehow she didn't appreciate that  ::)

I find the best way to deal with teens is to stick to the facts and stay as calm as possible in the process.  It doesn't take long for them to figure out the best way to get around you is to move the conversation away from the main points and to get you emotional.

Good luck Jeannie ... and to every parent out there ... God knows we need it ;)

-Dennis-

Adding to what Dennis said, I had great satisfaction in "job well done" the day my daughters (at different points in their lives) stopped to thank us for all that we had done. As they compared their lives in college and after to the stress and financial pressure of some of their peers, they realized that really did provide for them. Now that they're both on their own (one married) we are enjoying watching the adult women they've become and are proud of how they manage.

We sure had our moments with them in the past though!

Terrific Jeannie!  So glad you have found a solution.  Now at least you both can move forward!

hugs,
:)mel

I am so glad that there is a way for this to happen.  I went through this with Joshua.  He dropped out of day school to go to night school only to be arrested and graduate behind bars.  It worked for him.  I just wish they could understand how important education is.