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What to do about my 16 son's class options
- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 7 months ago by
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I am in a qandry about what to do with an option to put my son in a particular co-op class next year
He has a hobby of filming family events and video editing; he has said he doesn’t know if it’s something he wants to make into a career
He admits that he has no particular idea as to what he would want to go to college and major in; just to get a part-time job when he’s 16 (this coming Sept) and go from there
I don’t think it’s the end of the world that he is unclear, especially since he has just started getting himself on track from his bouts with serious depression last year and is finally able to focus on his basic school subjects after tramatic family upheavals
Anyway, there is a Digital Cinematography class at a local co-op that I thought would be good for him; he could do projects with others (he leans towards being a loner) and learn more of his hobby “craft” (which could earn him money in the future)
I’m of the opinion that you should have as much in your arsenal as possible for an unknown future and though you can teach yourself so many things (something he likes to point out, that he can learn on his own), learning from others who are educated in an area which they are passionate about, you can learn more, too; AND be held accontable for what you do, be challenged, etc; BUT that doesn’t mean NOW is the right time for a potentially good thing
Also, he doesn’t want to take it right now, mainly, because he says he doesn’t like it that his grandfather would be paying for it (we are in a position that requires help in several areas)
So, I don’t know what to do; he is behind in his math, grammar, and writing due to our family upheaval in the past; so, I have a schedule that is pretty heavy this coming year, but even so, he’s going to have a 5 year high school ,as is my dd, too, as a result of all that’s happened
Maybe I should just have him focus on the basics and wait to see where he’s at in 2017? He’s positive he does not want to take it right now and I don’t want to overwhelm him just when he’s just beginning to get himself together again
What do you think? Thanks
I wouldn’t push it, especially if it will be offered again next year. If he doesn’t want to take it right now, I wouldn’t force him to personally. As you said, if he’s “beginning to get himself together again”, maybe he just needs a little time to just be. Now, if in a year from now he’s still getting himself together, that might be a different story, and he may need a bit of a push.
At 16 if he’s that against doing the class you’re not really going to be able to force him without seriously damaging your relationship because it’s really not a ‘requirement of the law’ you can point to and say must be done. My daughter doesn’t love Algebra 1 at all, but she accepted we are required by our state law to do math. So she doesn’t resent ME for the course, and we can commiserate together over the foolishness of letters in math equations. But if I were to require her to do a class on medieval weapons and their uses she would be so unhappy with ME because it isn’t her interest, her choice, or a requirement we can’t ignore without breaking the law.
Thanks ya’ll; you’ve helped confirmed what’s been nagging at me the past couple of days
The more I think about it, what he’s had to do, what’s been broken inside him spiritually and emotionally, and what he will continue to have to work on to repair and heal, in addition to being a young man, I think it’s too much; he needs more time; some days are still a struggle for him to stay focused, but he’s doing much better
I’ve always thought that giving them a classically liberal arts education, not a modern progressive “vocation directed” education was the best way to prepare his mind, character, and soul for WHATEVER he chooses in the future (which, as we know, that can change mid-way thru life)
I want to prepare the whole person, not just narrow him down so “he’ll be ready” so-to-speak; I was reminded of this philosophy when I read a Classical Teacher article I received in the mail today
Rachel, I agree it’s not worth pushing. Let him continue to explore on his own and focus on the core things you want to catch up on while tossing in the ‘enrichment’ as you can. Your relationship and his mental, spiritual, and physical health are so much more important than academics – core or enrichment. Hugs!
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