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

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 - 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!

That is very good news!  Thanks for the update

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-

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-

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

hugs,
mel