School's Out for the Summer

As of last Thursday, the boys are out of school. Footloose and fancy free. I have to admit that I am a little jealous of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. No responsibilities, just fun all day. They are definitely excited.

Well, not exactly completely without responsibilities. We do still have some structure - mornings we have them do chores and do some summer reading and stuff. But it's nothing too onerous.

One thing that made me proud is that my 3rd grader had nearly all A's on his final report card (a lone B+ is the exception that I take no exception to). He has had a little bit of a tough year this year - not intellectually but organizationally. He has been supremely bored and is not motivated by grades. He rushed through worksheets forgetting to answer questions or turn things in. Needless to say, I have pulled my hair out trying to figure out what to do. Nagging and cajoling only made us both depressed and upset. Simple reminders and motivating comments were ignored. What do you do when he doesn't care that he got a C on his math homework all because he skipped three questions on the back of the page? His response is "well I know how to do it." My response is "no ones going to know it if you don't show them."

Some friends of mine who are school counselors gave me some good advice at a crucial time this year. Having seen parents struggle with underachieving gifted kids, they recommended we just lay off him. Communicate clearly our belief that he can do better, offer support when he needs it, and reward him for high achievement but make it is his responsibility to deliver results. Then let go.

It was really scary but it seems to have worked. Now we all get a break for the summer. And we need it!