Parents, is your son or daughter struggling in school?

My 12 year old is in the 7th grade and shows no motivation and is very lazy with school work. He is currently getting D's and F's in four of his classes. I know I'm responsible for this, and have tried almost everything I know of to help him. I have taken away things, we set goals and stay on top of his homework and class work. We monitor his activities and nothing is abnormal. He does well for a short stint, as soon as I feel comfortable and confident that he has "caught on" I let go of the reigns and give him space. As soon as I do that... he is back to the same ol' habits. I try and not be to strict, I never liked that approach, but I feel like I may have to be. Any parents with the same issue?

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SW-User

Could there be a possible learning disability? ADD, ADHD perhaps? Has he ever been tested? What were his grades like in elementary school?

JoeR80 · 46-50, M

@SW-User His grades were fair to good. Not exceptional. He is very artistic. All of his workbooks and notebooks are littered in doodles and really cool drawings. My conversations with his teachers are all similar: "He is very smart and sharp, but only does his work when he wants to". He passes all his tests, crazy enough. He retains the information and is smart enough to complete quizzes with high scores. Yet, his answer is the same... sorry dad i'll do better. No fight. No arguments. He knows what he needs to do. I wish there was some sort of struggle, something I can use as a reference.

SW-User

@JoeR80 honestly it sounds as though he may be gifted. Maybe ask the school to have him tested. They must do it if you request it, by law. I say that only becasue you mention that he nails his tests.

Also, there could be some mental health stuff going on. Has his friends changed recently? Do you suspect any drug use?

Things like this are a "whole picture" kind of deal. It could be a lot of things.