Horrible grade

[MomtoBlake]

My son Hunter just turned 16 and for his birthday my husband and I bought him a new car but then on two fridays ago his school sent report cards home and it turns out that Hunter is failing most half of his classes and from the comments from almost all of his teachers they said that Hunter is goofing off, being disrespectfull, and just doesnt try. We told Hunter that he needed to get his act together and we started by taking away little things, his playstation, xbox, psp, then we started heavy grounding, and nothing seems to phase him. We took away his car keys. He just keeps picking fights with his brother, and trys less and less. I really have no clue what to do with him. Any ideas?

[Ellen]

Have him evaluated by a psychologist who specializes in adolescents to see what's going on, how to implement a behavior plan, check for learning disabilities etc. Family therapy may be indicated. (At his age, I would also want random drug screening done.)

[CJ's Mom]

Have him evaluated by a psychologist who specializes in adolescents to see what's going on, how to implement a behavior plan, check for learning disabilities etc. Family therapy may be indicated. (At his age, I would also want random drug screening done.)

I would definately get a drug screen. Also, and I know someone it going to disagree with me, but go through his room with a fine toothed comb and look for anything unusual.

[Lee]

Is this new behavior - if he has always been the perfect kid and is just starting to act like this - that is a big warning sign...new friends maybe, girl problems? I would also try and find a way to monitor his internet usage - like no computer in his room - have it in the family room where you can discreetly watch or install Net Nanny or something. It seems like something is getting to him, and yes, it could be drugs, but it could also be things like bullying, friends, peer pressure, and being a teenager!

I would dig to get to the bottom of the matter and I would do this by therapy, counseling, testing, family meetings, and good old fashion spying (I know spying sounds awful - but we just had another teenager kill herself because of cyber bullying - her mom had no clue and said she didn't want to invade her privacy). We do what we have to do - but mine is just 12 - I do remember very well when I was a troubled teen and the things that troubled me and the things I did to combat the trouble!

[caspi]

I would definately get a drug screen. Also, and I know someone it going to disagree with me, but go through his room with a fine toothed comb and look for anything unusual.

I do not disagree with you one bit!