<p>My S seems to be struggling a bit this year (his sophomore year).</p>
<p>Last year he was very determined and did outstanding in his courses. He completed an internship over the summer. Everything seemed to be ontrack.</p>
<p>Now suddently he’s questioning his major that he selected during his sophomore or junior year of HS. He just seems so unsure that he’s on the right path and has even hinted at wanting to drop out of school although he’s doing very well academically (had a 3.8 GPA after his first year). When I try to be supportive and suggest he look into his other interests, he can only say that he’s not really certain what else he is interested in doing.</p>
<p>He is struggling with grades for the first time EVER. It’s not even becaue the classes are too difficult or that his schedule is overloaded. In fact it’s the opposite, he says the classes are easy. However he is having trouble with procrastinating and skipping classes and says he doesn’t see the value in any of the required classes he’s taking and is having trouble motivating himself to get his work done.</p>
<p>He is having issues with his social life. He broke up with his on-again, off-again GF from HS over the summer and now feels like everyone else is out having fun and he doesn’t want to ‘be the third wheel’, although it’s not really true.</p>
<p>DS1 went through this in his sophomore year and it was terrifying. He not only struggled with classes but sunk into a depression for a number of reasons that I won’t delineate here. Since he was five hours from home, I insisted he speak with a counselor at his school’s mental health center a couple of times per week and got his consent for the counselor to debrief me afterward. Once he came home for break, I arranged for him to speak to a psychologist here. </p>
<p>He did wind up changing his major and made some lifestyle changes that helped him turn things around. Can’t remember ever being more scared so trust your instincts and help your son to get help.</p>
<p>My youngest is a HS senior and has decided on her school and major. The school has a recommended schedule of courses on its website and I love that they take courses in their major right away freshman year. However, under the recommended plan, first semester sophomore year is all gen ed classes. That seems like the receipe for sophomore slump.</p>
<p>This situation can be a moment in time where challenges aren’t being dealt with proactively and constructively, perhaps allowing "bad habits’ to become an issue. As described, it could also be evidence of depression, where nothing matters, so why bother. Some students have their grades go down when they use drugs or alcohol excessively, sometimes in an effort to address a low mood. I am not diagnosing your son, but addressing possibilities to be ruled in or out. This is the age when some mental health issues typically first appear, and sorting out the reasons for a change this dramatic is critical, with time of the essence.</p>
<p>You will all have greater peace of mind with the situation being assessed and appropriate supports under way. I would encourage him in seeking counseling as his method of dealing with the circumstances is likely to exacerbate his worries and negativity. Perhaps it is sophomore slump; what I would want to avoid is not knowing that something serious is going on for too long, with accumulating personal and academic distress. Have you seen him recently? If not, is a visit feasible? Your direct observations and connection with him could be very useful. Your son is fortunate to have support from his family and I wish you the best with this.</p>