stay, one year off or transfer ?

Joyhuffes
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:46:24 +0000

I know people want their children to become independent thinkers, but don’t forget you are the parent. The things anyone decides in high school must be filtered through a parent and to take a year off sounds, well, irresponsible. If she needs a break from every social circle I would encourage “virtual school” which can be on your own hours at home and would still show her being in school. In my state it is considered public school and is different than being home schooled. The transcripts would come from the public school district and she can still participate in EC if she wants. You are letting a child who doesn’t have the maturity and insight you have as a parent make a decision. Don’t feel like you are a bad guy because you make the decision. She may be unhappy no matter what you decide and you have to be willing to make the best decision for her even if it is unpopular with your daughter. She sounds like a bright child and for whatever reason is not fitting in at school but I think it would be a huge mistake to drop out of school. If you want her to decide give her choices. For example give her the choice to stay or come home to ps, but not to take a year off in h.s. Give her choices you can live with so she feels like she has some control and input, but leave out the choices that are unacceptable. It really would look bad for her for college. It will not be seen as her taking a year off (which may already seem to a college admissions person as not being able to follow through with responsibilites) but as dropping out and flakey. And it may raise red flags. The student dropped out of high school because she got a C? They are not going to look at it through your eyes. Sometimes you have to have a little tough love and it is not always the best thing to let a child decide a major life changing decision. Best of luck.