The following is not intended as medical, psychological, counseling or any other professional advice or recommendation. It is provided as educational information only.
- Ask your boy, “How was your day?” Do it every day, and of course listen to his response. If you get too short a response for two days in a row, ask a follow up question.
Do not always inquire about homework or school as the only area of concern.
- Every day, tell your boy, “You are a good kid.”
- Allow and encourage computer work. Instead of saying “playing on the computer” ask your boy “what are you working on your computer.”
- Minimize punishment for behavior that does not hurt others.
- Give him $10. Immediate, unexpected reward is great reinforcement.
- Advocate for your boy. It is important for your boy to know you are supportive and willing to help.
- Talk to teachers. Engage with teachers as often as you need to.
- Talk to your doctor, and get a second opinion if you feel it is warranted, on medicine. This is not medical advice, nor advocating medicine.
- Guys are critical. Dads, older brothers, male supervisors at work, help your boy have a male role model. Guys don’t need to do a lot, they just need to do and say a little and it goes a long ways. Talk to your husband/companion about a few positive things to do or say. Explain the ‘deal’ with boys (neurology).
- Explore alternatives to your current school. Not every situation is right for everyone. Explore other public schools, virtual schools, home schooling, tutoring.
- Talk to school counselors. If you get a good school counselor, use her or him when you need to. They can be a positive help in working with teachers.
- Ask about modifications. Changing a teacher, course subject, day or time. Just as your boy has a certain learning style, a teacher has a given teaching style. Not every teacher can respond to every student. So see if you have options.
- Talk to other parents. It helps.
- Let your boy know what is up with Smart Boys, Bad Grades. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reality. Go with your hunch. As a parent, you know the most about your boy.
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