Question:

My 15 year old son is a good student. But since entering high school, he won't do assigned work, but his teachers say he can do the work well. He is just being lazy and not doing the work, or even doing the work and not handing it in! What should I do? Help!

Answer:

My number one suggestion is that you talk with your son about this situation, if you have not done so already. Have you asked him about what he thinks has caused the change in his school work? Ask about his relationships at school. The first year of high school can be a rough experience - encountering new surroundings, new people, starting out again on the bottom rung of the "social structure", etc. Personally, it was my own toughest year in school and I have seen a number of students over the years who struggle during this time and simply need encouragement and the time to adjust to the new school enviornments. If you find out about specific problems, try to work through those issues.

If you can't seem to find any reasons for the change, consider getting your son a physical check-up. Sometimes, things like ADD or ADHD which affect school work - show up in the midst of other changes being experienced during adolescence. On the other hand, you may find that your son is bored in his classes because they are too easy for him. Some very smart kids struggle in school because they are not challenged enough.

In the end, if these school work issues don't resolve themselves, you will probably need to develop a plan to keep your son accountable for his school work. This will take more work on your part! You may want to set school work expectations, check on work assignments when given and when completed, and offer praise and rewards for completion and consequences for missed assignments.

But, again, start this process with communicating with your son in a discussion (as opposed to lecture) setting. And, don't forget the important role of prayer! God cares about you and your son and will never abandon or forsake you!