Do You Think My Punishments Are Too Harsh?
I’m failing two classes, math and science. I’m in eigth grade. I understand the importance of an education and am working hard to improve these grades. My problem is I’m not allowed to join sports, attened school functions such as dances, I’m not allowed to join clubs such as forensics, at home I’m only allowed to talk on the phone to call my dad (not that I use it that much anyway) The computer is for homework purposes only (wich I am using it only for that except this one time), I’m not allowed to watch television in my bedroom, I’m not allowed to have anyone over, nor am I allowed anywhere. I understand being punsihed and disciplined for my grades slippling but all this at once is over-whelming for me. I’ve been reading a lot now and I got my book taken away from my dad because “it brings me too much joy.” I have nothing to do. I’m going insane. once I’m done with my homework the only options I have is cleaning, watching mind-numbing television in the living room, or sleeping.
i think he is definitely being to harsh, OK i understand some punishments like your not allowed out, but after you do homework and catch up on work you have nothing to do. If i were you i would probably fail maths and science because i was to upset and stressed to work to my best ability. My mum tried to do what your dad has done to me once because i was failing maths, so i decided to show her some of the question i was being asked and ask her to do them….she couldn’t do them and she changed her mind. What i would do if i was you, I would try and get extra work from maths and science and show your dad you are trying to improve also do all your homework, try and not be late (I know its easier said than done I’m late for everything) and try and explain to him that by giving you no freedom to watch TV or even read is stressing you out and is doing more harm on your grades…..Good luck
Yes he is. maybe you should talk to school counselor.
Not really, two F’s is really pathetic…
Yes, that is a bit over the top. You should be allowed to read. I expect the only way to get him to lighten up is proof of work well done. If you are doing well enough, ask your teachers to write a note or call your dad. If you’re not doing well enough, ask what you have to do before they will call your dad!
the book thing yes
averything else its his way of making sure youre on task
I say do the extra credit.
Best of Luck!
-Lisa
Not really.
Two F’s, especially in 8th grade, are terrible.
Well, there is the question of why you lapsed in your school work and how long is this draconian punishment ot last? There should be some reward as well and punishment if you get the grades up. Personally I would encourage reading if your homework is done. I would encourage you to join a club like forensics because that is science. I also encourage some sports, in fact lots of sports. Success drives success.
Here it is straight from a dad. Tell him you love him and vow to work hard to get the grades up, then do it. Ask him to lighten up a little bit. If he loves you half as much as I love my son he will be willing to compromise.
Try writng poetry, songs, short stories. It can be like reading only you make it up.
I agree with your dad that you need some pretty serious punishment to learn from your mistakes. . . but I think you should try talking with him about what’s good for you and what’s just straight punishment if you think you’re both calmed down enough to have a serious discussion. Just make sure you’re being rational about it and not more like the “you’re being so mean. . . I hate you” attitude. I think your dad was probably just really upset with both you and himself when he decided to suck all of the fun out of your life, but maybe he might pull back on it now that he’s had some time to cool off.
What I mean is that I think educational activities are still a good thing to be involved with and would probably be helpful in encouraging you to maybe find more fun with learning (and thus likely do better in school in the future). People who like what they do almost always do a better job of it. If you can’t go out with friends or even really talk to them outside of school, watch whatever TV you want, etc., that doesn’t mean you can’t have ANY fun. . . it just makes you find other things that can be fun. Like studying? (Maybe your classwork just isn’t the part of the topic you like.) I’d totally think this forensics club sounds fun, and I’m sure there’s some educational aspects to it as well as maybe some potential school-motivated friends who might help encourage you to do better yourself in school.
i think he is being just slightly too harsh…but look at the bright side! my parents do that to me if i get a B on my report card! (im also in 8th grade) yep, that’s right, i MUST have straight A’s, otherwise i get to live in hell.
Some of this sounds over the top… but i’ll work with it anyway. First of all failing two classes does deserve some punishment but it seems like you understand that. I would not agree with all of your punishments such as the whole reading thing. Let your dad know that joy reading will increase your mental abilities and make you a better student, it is always important to read.
I hope you are able to bring up your grades.
It sounds like your dad really loves you and wants you to do what is right and make it in this world one day. My parents were the same way. I didn’t understand it then…it made me angry, and it never seemed fair…but now that I have a child of my own, I see it. Just hang in there. High school doesn’t last forever. You will see….someone told me that when I was in 8th grade…and now I am 27…and I don’t know where the time went.