Under pressure

Trauma once more at Genie Towers. Crisis time A-level-wise is fast approaching, and the tension has turned the Boy into Kevin the Teenager again. Nothing is fair, his teachers are confusing him, he’s been given back his Physics and Maths coursework (to be handed in tomorrow) and been told it’s crap, and is totally discouraged and wants to jack it all in. I’ve said he should take this as an opportunity to prove himself, and that if he quits now he’ll be a loser all his life (worded slightly better than that!) – but I don’t think that has really helped. I do sympathise; I remember clearly the panic I was in at the same stage; but I know that running away from the problem won’t help. He’s been told that passing or failing is unimportant as long as he knows, deep in his heart, that he has put 110% effort into it. If he doesn’t want to go to Uni, then fair enough, it’s his life. He’s not being prevented from socialising – just to get his work done first, then go out with his mates.

It’s very difficult to know what to do for the best – he’s never been one to push himself, but if others push him too hard he digs in his heels. I just want him to have as many opportunities available in life as possible. To be stuck in a dull, mundane job because he’s not well-enough qualified to get out would be such a waste.

I can see I have a few weeks of being a verbal punch-bag, and attempting to be the voice of calm and reason, ahead. Deep joy.