I don't know him at all

Yesterday's meeting with SK's teachers threw up a few surprises. Both teachers said the same things - that he is very smart but is too chatty and distracted during lessons. He needs more discipline. If he focuses more, he can do very well.

If I were to hear it from one teacher, I would seriously doubt her, but hearing another one echo her sentiments makes me sit up and listen.

Firstly, to hear that SK is very smart is something new to me. His older brother is known to be the smarty pants around the house. SK, who had always struggled with math, started scoring A1 in this subject lately. Like me, he was surprised that he could do so well. My mum has been right all along. She always had faith in him.

But to hear both teachers complain that he talks too much in class is quite a shocker. Whilst YK is the kind who will not hesitate to speak his mind, SK is the one quietly chuckling in the background. He seldom speaks unless spoken to.

Yes, he was an active child who could not keep still for even one minute (we actually timed him). In primary school, we was always in a world of his own, fashioning gadgets out of eraser or pencil lead during lessons. Now that he's older, I'm pleased that he is channeling all that extra energy into sports. But according to the teachers, he's is still easily distracted. He disturbs his friends and he needs more self discipline.

Discipline? He's the most disciplined one at home. He cooks and cleans up, he washes his own dishes and bathes the dog without being asked. He stops eating when he is full, avoids junk food and gives up drinking his favourite drink (Coke) because he wants to be healthy. He works out and plays basketball to keep fit. He is thrifty and prudent in managing his money. When I check on him each night, he's either doing homework, lifting weights, listening to music, tending to his aquarium or working on his art. He seems pretty disciplined for a 15 year old if you ask me.

Maybe it's his group of friends? I've seen them and I know them. They're a tight group who spend lots of time together. They may not that academic, but they are certainly not bad kids. They just need to know when to get serious. They need to buck up this very minute.

The teachers are planning to break the class up to minimise any disruptions during lessons.
He thinks the teachers are biased and picking on him.

"Hey, your teachers care about you. They know you have the potential to do well and really want to see you going in the right direction. They will let you rot if they don't care about you!"

I could see that the teachers are fond of SK. They know he can achieve greater things. It's exasperating for them to see him this way. I am even more sad as a parent. I thought things were going well in school. He's such a great kid at home.

I began to lecture him immediately. I just couldn't help myself. I told him I am disappointed at his behavoir. I even threatened to ground him. I want him to improve and don't ever want to hear the teachers complain about him again. Instead, I want them to feel proud of him when he's done well.

Today he looks pretty downcast.