Biting my nails

My son is very smart, but he lacks motivation and discipline. Yeah, I know, that is most pre-teens, but it is really irritating. He is capable of so much, but I have to ride his ass to get him to make the slightest effort.

Tonight was his American karate belt test. The way his instructor does this is by giving the students basic karate questions - about techniques, terms, etc - and they have to answer a random question correctly before they demonstrate the moves and techniques in order to advance up the belt list.

My son has NOT wanted to study his terms, but resisistance is futile. I created a fill in the blank worksheet from his terms and quizzed him at least once, sometimes more often, every day this week. Looks like it paid off. He is now and advanced blue belt.

I think this child delights in making me nervous.

(Photos by Uzz)
I really like his teacher. He is very common sense and teaches the children realistic self-defense, boosts their confidence by helping them fail AND succeed and not putting up with their shit. He also tells them to respect and thank their parents for bringing them to karate. Not to mention, his prices are VERY reasonable. We pay about $85 to $100 a semester on karate, total. Most of my friends were paying that or more monthly for their kids' karate lessons. So, we're pretty fortunate.

I'm very proud of my baby. He also made the A/B honor roll. Not too shabby for a dyslexic kid labled as "emotionally disturbed." I say he's just immature, but we're getting him there slowly, but surely. We've been blessed with extraordinary public school system educators, counselors and administrators. They care about him as if he were their own and for that, I'm grateful. I don't think I could have a better educational team on board for him. Not to mention, he has two dads who love him and a wonderful support system. (can you tell I'm PMSing and getting sappy?)

Anyway, well done, son. I'm proud of you!