This year I have a child in seventh grade and so far, it’s been an excruciatingly frustrating experience.   I’ve debated as to whether or not I could write about it, because I realize that middle school is a sensitive time in a child’s life.  Yet, I’m absolutely certain he’ll never read this, because getting him to read anything on his own, other than ESPN.com , is akin to my climbing Mount Everest.  I’d also love some advice, or at the very least, some commiseration.

Hunter is a smart boy, but he does have some learning issues.  He has difficulty paying attention, especially to things that don’t interest him, and he struggles with reading comprehension, particularly with fiction.  He can tell you what happened in a story, but it’s the why and the what-ifs that trip him up.  Vocabulary is also probably another impediment.  Unfortunately reading comprehension affects all subjects.

That’s the main problem I suppose, but attitude and motivation are other issues we deal with and I’m sure they’re interrelated.  It’s hard for anyone to get motivated if there are many obstacles.  Yes?  For years Rich and I have emphasized that school is number one and this, for the time being, is his job.  His future depends on it.  Getting into college depends on it.  To succeed in life, you must work hard…blah, blah, blah.  Even I’m tired of hearing us preach.  So tired.  Continue reading The Trials and Tribulations of This Seventh Grade Mom →