My son won

Dear Teenage-Mom,

 

Don’t do it!

 

I know it’s unpleasant, but you are the only one who can get the job done right.

 

I am not saying a tutor cannot be helpful in certain situations. However, in this case, the real job can only be done by you.

 

Let me explain. 

 

Tutors are great, and I have used them, but that’s only when your son wants to do the work.

 

For example, if they want to learn how to play the piano – get a tutor (unless of course you know how to play). If they want to learn how to drive – get a tutor even if you know how to drive. It will save you untold stress – I know, I taught my kids and it’s no joy ride.  

 

But, if they don’t want to do it, then there is only one person who can do that job: a parent.

 

All across America 30, 40 or even 50 years olds are finding that life is just getting too tough. It’s at that point many buy a Harley, leave their family, job and life to discover America, the Outback, or just disappear.

 

The stress your teenager is experiencing now is no different than the stress of a 40 year old. At 14 you might be able to hire a tutor, but at 40 you can’t! And, more importantly, a teenager has to listen to you, when he reaches 40 – he doesn’t.

 

Your son doesn’t want to do the work just as much as your husband, and just as much as me and probably just as much as you. But at 14 you can teach him to face and tackle his responsibilities.

 

I know it’s a struggle, but it’s a lot easier and better for you (and him) if you have that conversation now instead of 30 years from now.

 

You can’t pay someone enough to have that conversation with your son. No tutor will do it.

 

It’s value is priceless. This precious job is entrusted to just one person, Mom (and Dad too). 

 

It’s a lot of stress, I know, but it’s considerably less so than seeing your son driving into the sunset on a two-wheeler while you hold your grandchild’s hand.