[JenB]

Points have to be made sometimes. When I was about 12, there was a period where I did not want to work on my school, and so did badly. My dad made me do schoolwork eight hours a day for three weeks, writing down what I was doing every 15 minutes and showing the pile to him at the end... I got the point. And I never let my academics slide again.

Of course, there was that week I was reading a fantasy series and, er, did nothing but math all week as far as school goes. However I did not get caught - I had three weeks to do my unit, and "took off" week one, so I made everything up. By then I was 16 and, while still irresponsible, a good deal more clever about my irresponsibility.

[Corin Stormhands]

Points have to be made sometimes.

Taking away his Playstation made a major point. His school provides an "Agenda" for all students. Basically a day-timer with important school info, calendar, etc. We are now requiring that he show it to his teachers every day to make sure he has written his assignments down correctly. Then we sign it every night.

It's been a little difficult getting off to a good start with the school year. My wife handles most of that because he's home at 2:30 and I'm not home until almost six most days. But with her new teaching schedule, we've been inconsistent. I think we have a handle on things now.

At least he knows we're serious about this.

[Corin Stormhands]

BTW - I understand you're worrying about your grandparents. But Montgomery County is a huge place. We'll hope and pray they'll be okay.