many of my deficiencies as a parent. I think I have a short temper, and his excuses usually just irritate me and our conversations aren’t peaceful.

I understand that academics aren’t everything. We aren’t asking for straight A’s. We’re just trying to help him develop good skills and habits, and the value of hard work. He needs to learn that his choices have consequences as well. He’s only 13, and he’s not malicious in any way. Just a kid that wants to have fun.

I appreciate many of these comments, and I’ve already seen some great insight that we can try and incorporate.