| A large percentage of boys are slackers through high school years. They slack for a myriad of reasons, but mostly because it doesn't do them any harm. Personally, I'd say that a teenage boy who avoids competing is avoiding competition with the most important people in his life--his peers. Blaming Mommy and Daddy? I don't buy it.
Besides, on another thread, I read that educational researcher Carol Dweck believes that boys benefit from the relentless criticism of their slacking. One, they learn to filter harsh criticism (which teacher-pleasing girls don't learn). Two, they learn to associate learning with effort; ie "If you don't do the work, you won't get the grades." I like that theory as it goes a long way towards explaining why so many boys turn the heat on in college--and do very very well.
Make sure his bookshelf is well-stocked with books he is naturally drawn to and wait with patience. |