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[quote=Anonymous]I encourage risk taking. My kid doesn't get a choice about advanced math and science classes. They're appropriate for him and he benefits from them. I make it clear that I'm fine with him getting a B in advanced math and science classes, but I would expect nothing less than an A in regular classes. For him, that's been enough to sweeten the pot.

I give him the option about advanced everything else. He's capable, but it doesn't mean he has to. For high school he's considering advanced history courses. I also make it clear that just because he steps out of regular classes one year doesn't mean he has to continue that path. If he doesn't like the advanced courses, then the next year (or whenever it's appropriate) he can move back to the regular courses.

I'll also negotiate. Advanced courses often come with more homework. In exchange for advanced courses, he gets to neglect some chores. Instead of doing the dishes every night, he'll do them twice a week and he gets to pick the nights. Lawn mowing goes from an expected chore to an additional chore, where he gets paid if he does it. Cleaning his bathroom becomes a once a week chore, and I do the daily wipe-down. I've told him this deal is only good as long as he's actually doing his homework and studying for his classes.[/quote]

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