Most of you already know this:
I was a nerd.
OK, fine, I AM a nerd.
There are many ways of being a nerd, but my particular brand of nerdiness is the kind that has not left me even to adulthood.
I am a people-pleaser.
This came in handy when I was a child. Teachers loved me. I did work simply because I was told to do it. I got As on my paper because I liked As, and so did the Authorities. I memorized times tables because my teachers wanted me to do it, and it made my parents happy.
This is not always a good thing, of course, and I am learning that.
But that is another can of worms. Today, I have a question for you- fellow parents, especially those of you who do not share my nerdy handicap.
What do you do with the kid who doesn't CARE?
I feel like I am learning a foreign language here!
When a kid gets a C- on a test... and doesn't cry, or hide it. Instead, the child SHRUGS!
There is not even a TUMMY ACHE when homework is forgotten and teachers are disappointed!
I pull out the big guns:
I use those crushing words, "I'm very disappointed," or "This makes my heart hurt," and instead of a child's world crumbing in repentance, I get... A SMIRK!
They are little, but I can see it coming...
"Mom, I'm not ever going to need to diagram sentences when I'm a race car driver."
"I just don't see why I'd use algebra when I'm on the road with the band!"
Mothers, what do you do with this kind of attitude?
Someone like... this guy:
"I didn't take school seriously at all. I found I could get B's and C's with almost no effort, so I mostly kind of skated by. I did learn some stuff, but I know I missed out on a lot and had to try to make up for it later.
I was the poster boy for "does not work up to his potential."
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"I was one of the kids your dad would never want you to hang out with..."
This guy did turn out ok, for the most part, and he even has some advice for us, which I will be sharing soon.
But first, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Slackers- what motivates you? Teach me your language!
