Reply to DS needs to choose a novel for 10 page paper

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
I think the Jobs book is a great idea.

And I totally get the OP.  We have conversations with our HS age kids about things like research paper topics.  I don't consider that doing the work for them (in fact we don't even see their papers), but really just brainstorming ideas with them.  I think this is a useful role for a parent, especially for kids in big public high schools where the teacher may not have the opportunity to have this discussion with the 150+ kids they are teaching.[/quote]

Thanks. That was my contribution. If OP tells him about it I hope he gets an A and is inspired to think big.

However, I think the overwhelming response criticizing OP is not that she's suggesting brainstorming with her son. That's a wonderful idea and no one here would argue against that. (except perhaps the PP's who refuse to keep it civil; but they aren't providing advice, just picking fights) Rather, she's concerned that he's having an early struggle with topic selection and wants to give him the answer rather than help him through the winnowing process. There's a world of difference between the following conversations...

Son: "Mom, I can't think of a book to write a stupid 10 page paper about. It's supposed to reflect my life, but nothing I know of is as awesome as me."
Mom: "You're hilarious. But seriously, What do you think are actual things about yourself that you would like to write about?"
Son: "I don't know."
Mom: "It's a hard decision when it's so open ended. How about this. What is something you do well?"
Son: "I'm good at having great ideas then seeing them through to profitability."
Mom: "How about talking to your teacher or librarian about books they can suggest that reflect entrepreneurship."
Son: "Um. No way. My teacher is a vindictive ass and is trying to sabotage my most critical semester."
Mom: "Well, you'll have to really wow her then. Some other time let's explore what you might be doing to trigger such vitriol. For now, how about trying a google search for terms that you feel reflect you + books, and see what comes up?"
Son: "That's really obvious. I should have thought of that myself. Thanks for talking it through. I'll let you know if I don't find something I like in the next few days and perhaps we can talk through other ideas."
Mom: "No problem Beaver. BTW... you talk like an adult trying not to sound like a nerd. Cut it out."
Son: "Thanks Mom."

Son: "Mom, I can't think of a book to write a stupid 10 page paper about. It's supposed to reflect my life, but nothing I know of is as awesome as me."
Mom:  "You are very awesome. No question about it. I always want you to feel that way, so I've always protected you from struggle."
Son: "Huh?. Whatever. What book do I pick?"
Mom: "What list of books did your teacher give you to choose from? I'll choose one for you."
Son: "That's the problem, there isn't a list, so I don't know what to do. I'm worried if I don't pick something soon I'll put it off until last minute because I don't like working through tough situations."
Mom: "I'll ask the internet to solve this and get back to you with an answer. Don't worry son. DCUM will come to my rescue because everyone will feel my stress and instantly relate to my world view."
{a day later}
Son: "So, what did the internet tell me to do?"
Mom: "You're good at science, math and entrepreneurship. I think you should read the Steve Jobs biography and write about how he inspires those gifts of yours I just told you that you have and you now believe."
Son: "Awesome. There's a ton of info about the book on the internet so I won't even have to read the whole thing. Can you buy me a kindle fire?"
Mom: "I'll ask DCUM if it's OK, but only to seek public approval for my choices."
[/quote]

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