- Computer Application None A (97)
- English 10 C+ (78) B (84)
- Algebra II B+ (89) A- (91)
- Honors Biology D+ (68) B+ (87)
- New Testament Survey C (74) B (85)
- Spanish 2 B (83) B (84)
- Western Civilization C (77) A- (90)
After discussions with the school principal and the counselor a few weeks back, these adults have convinced Carl and I to stop monitoring all of his schoolwork. Homework was another major area of contention with the three of us. It was hard for Carl and I not to get involved and try to “make” Anthony do work according to a schedule that we thought appropriate. Carl and I are planners. Anthony is not. He’s a more “fly by the seat of his pants” and “wait until the very last-minute” sort of guy. And honestly, aren’t the majority of teenage boys?? It was very stressful for all of us. They stated that, as long as Anthony maintains the grade point average that we expect (which in his case is B’s), that we should not obsess over every assignment and test grade. We need to keep the overall grade in mind and it’s up to Anthony to figure out how to get there. By letting Anthony figure out how to maintain his grades and complete assignments according to deadlines, we would be better preparing him for real life. And it would be much less stressful for all!
So we promised that as long as Anthony keeps his overall grades in each class above a B-, which we know that he is fully capable of doing, that we would not discuss homework or projects or deadlines. We promised not to jump in when we looked on the website and saw late/missed assignments, poor grades on individual assignments or failed exams. However, if any overall grade drops below a B-, then consequences would be implemented. Consequences like not being able to drive. Afterall, if you are not responsible, then you should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle, right?
So, although it absolutely kills us for how poorly he was prepared for his final exams and for how little studying that he actually did for them (like trying to complete a 10-page study guide the night before the exam when he sat and played XBox for the whole week prior to exams!!!), we are proud of his final grades! We really can’t complain about 3 As and 4 Bs. We know he could do better and could probably be a straight A student if he actually tried. But we will just put a happy smile on our face, pat Anthony on the back and say “well done, son! Well done.”
OH look! His highest grade is in computers. :=D
His grades are great. We are getting ready to do this with our 6th grader. We had a looooonnng talk with her last night, so we’ll see how it goes. Still trying to train her to schedule out her work. It’s up to her to do the work on time.
I think you got good advice. It sounds like you are minimizing the negative interactions, which, while well meant on your part, could have served to drive your teen’s heart away from you. It’s a balance, to show your teen that you care about them by holding firm in some areas and easing up in others.
Great grades…………you sure are making big changes in your lives with Anthony.
A ‘B’ in Spanish! My son would be so jealous; Spanish is his nemesis.
As a homeschooling Mom, I found it hard to back off the constant monitoring of assignments, but it is a process and I think we’ve found our happy-medium.
Congrats to Anthony on his achievements!
Self improvement is so tedious, isn’t it? You guys are doing great. Congrats to Anthony on his report card.
I need a stiff drink!
final exam grades are anthonys, carl and kristys get the semester,
grade. nice job