School Attendance

[Scared Mum]

Any ideas on how to help them improve attendance at school? My boy is almost 17 - hates school - and is talking about dropping out. We do have some other issues (rage etc.) which surface occasionally but nothing major at this point, the biggest problem is attending school. He is very bright so it isn't as if he can't do the work - he just won't. Trying to bribe him doesn't work either. Do we let him go ahead and drop out, hope he learns his lesson and goes back next September (I don't think so as he most likely won't go back)? How do we make him understand how important it is?

Any suggestions or ideas welcome. We are at our wits end with this...

[Ray Ledford]

What is it about school that he hates?

My kids tell me that they hate school, but they do get up in the morning and go one to classes, usually do their homework, and often come home with stories about school that they excitedly tell us about (and we eagerly listen -- it's usually better than the stuff on TV).

I don't really have any experience with real hatred of school, but I am in a slightly similar situation as your son -- I hate my job, and I have a volcanic temper. That temper is kept under tight control, so much so that only a handful of people have ever seen it, and the last time was two years ago, just a week after we'd gone through our third miscarriage. Even then, it wasn't unleashed on a person, and my kids must think that I'm an emotional turtle when it comes to getting angry.

Sorry about the rambling -- I'm the only one up this morning, and the cats don't really care about conversations -- or the computer. I can't tell you how many times one of them hasn't planted his or her backside down in front of the monitor. I haven't yet decided if they're just seriously comical or comically serious.

Pro libertate,
Ray

[Scared Mum]

Not sure why he hates school - when he was younger he loved going. He tells me that the teachers don't care so why should he. I have to believe that to a degree as, with the exception of two teachers, I have yet to hear from the school regarding his failing grades, his attendance or any other issue. We are now bribing him with his car - you go to school - your car stays on the road. You don't go - the car gets parked. We'll see what happens. Frustrating part is he is very bright and can do the work - he just doesn't want to.

[MomInFLA]

Hi I just read your post about your 17 yr old wanting to drop out of school. My 16 yr old went through this same thing last month. I made a call to Motor Vehicle and they informed me that if they drop out of school... they lose their driving priveldges (license) until they turn 18 or get their GED whatever came first. My son turned around fast when he realized that it wasnt the rule we were imposing it was the state that was going to take away his license. I didnt know this.. A friend called me to let me know and it worked like a charm. He is back in school Not skipping no more threats to drop out.

[Scared Mum]

Thanks....that would certainly work with him. We're in Canada so not sure if the same rules apply but I will find out. My son is actually in a co-op program right now where he is a "teachers aid" work with JR K. to Grade 7 kids physical education class. He has been attending every day...we're keeping our fingers crossed.