DC not digging school anymore.

[Anonymous]

He probably needs more sleep and food. 8th grade is prime growth spurts for boys. I did find 8th grade to be the year they kinda get bored of middle school too bc socially they don’t usually make new friends which kind of keeps things a little fresh and fun

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:8th grade MS. This year in particular the early start is really getting to them. Typically has gotten straight As in AAP classes but seems uninterested and some classes currently my showin as Bs (although it’s early, I know). Since ES there has been some shifting in the friendship circle but there are still a few core friends he hangs with. Maybe allergies are having an impact? Once some activities start up I’m hoping for a little more enthusiasm v
But right now my spidey sense has me concerned.

OK. Thanks for the update.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uh, school refusal is not something that is related to things as flimsy as "allergies."

Major shifts in mood and motivation like this are a signal flare for something much more serious. You need to dig deep and fast.

Start by looking through his phone and computer. Usually, the root cause of whatever is ailing them will be documented in there either in communications with friends or the sites and apps they're using. Once you've gathered intel on what might be causing your son to detach and disconnect, get help fast. Therapy/counseling, engage the school, etc. Grab every resource you can and don't take anything lightly. Intervention at this stage can save you and him from things really going off the rails.

Nowhere in the post was school refused mentioned. The kid has Bs and doesn’t seem excited about school. Middle school in FCPS sucks. My 8th grader has to leave at 6:30am daily and is over doing this another year. So are we. I leave for work at that time too since he’s up, I just just an early start to the office. I did the same with my older one. I’m not enthusiastic about it either and just pushing through. Bs at this point in the year and not being enthusiastic about the hellish start time are not a cause for concern.

[Anonymous]

16:37 again and before anyone replies, I know it’s FCPS and the horrible early start because AAP was mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Maybe try making a new routine to adjust to the schedule and have fun things to look forward to. Also make sure he has enough exercise, so that can help fall asleep earlier and be ready for school. Example - every week right out the schedule and make sure to put in physical activities, even if it's just you and him go for a run when you get home. Make it a fun run or ride bike to cool place nearby. Plan weekend trips for fun things you like (hiking trips, visiting other cities in ME corridor etc) as something to look forward to. What does he like? My kid loves anime/fantasy/cosplay so we are going to family day comicon in nyc and have been making our costumes for weeks. Help him embrace what he likes and find the fun in life. Hope that helps.