Here We Go Again

Back to school, back to the struggle — at least for some families.

“Meir’s 13, but we’re still making sure he’s staying on top of his homework. He’s always found school hard. He only ‘performs’ if he really likes his rebbi or teacher, otherwise, he’s not interested at all.

“My husband and I have tried everything — we’ve praised him, offered him rewards, kept a chart, got him tutors and coaches. We’ve had him assessed, we tried medication — the side effects were awful — we’ve explained the importance of applying himself and the dire consequences for lagging behind. We’ve done everything we can think of. Oh, and yelled at him plenty as well. But nothing has made a difference.”

Goldie and Chaim are scared for their son. Fortunately, all their other kids are on track. But Meir’s anti-academic behavior creates a great deal of stress in the household. Meir’s sister Shira expounds: “My mom is always taking Meir to some doctor or clinic, and she’s always looking for ways to help him. I guess that’s what a mother is supposed to do, but he’s not the only kid in the family. There are eight of us, but everything is about Meir. My parents don’t really have time for me. I get good grades, but they hardly notice. Meir’s not even trying. I don’t see why my parents waste so much time on him.”