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The Wrong Way
Dear Jon,
I don't know where to begin. I did so much to try
to raise you well and give you the best of everything.
I went to bat for you when your teachers didn't understand
you,
I sent you to music and sports
classes and you always had what you needed.
We know you're bright because
you were tested at the age of eleven when we saw that
you weren't performing up to potential.
Now you've finally gotten the
chance to show your stuff, since you were accepted
into a wonderful private school.
It is now the end of tenth grade
and you're still getting by just barely. We've provided
tutors, bought more books, offered incentives like
rock concerts and everything else.
I don't know what it will take
for you to understand that in order to succeed, you've
got to do something too!
If they kick you out of this
school, don't think you'll get a better deal somewhere
else. At least where you are now they're willing to
work with you and go along with your lateness, your
eccentricities and the three earrings in your right
nostril.
(Something that I, personally,
think is disgusting and I'm sure I'm speaking for
your dad, too.)
Just give us a hint, why don't
you? Let us know what else has to be done to get through
to you.
Mom
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The Write Way
Dear Jon,
One thing I've always appreciated about you is your
originality.
No matter what else you need
help in, that's one area in which you excel!
Having said that, both your dad
and I would like to make a few suggestions that we
think will make your life easier.
We know that you want to succeed
in school. Your teachers, you and we, your parents,
all know that you have the potential to succeed.
So the mystery we have to solve
together is: What will it take to make the leap from
your potential, your talent, your intelligence and
the faith we all have in you, to academic success?
Maybe instead of us lecturing
to you, you should be the one to answer the question.
If you could have your wishes fulfilled, what support
would you ask from us, as your parents, and from your
teachers? And, finally, what demands do you think
you should place on yourself?
You're a really bright boy and
we think that if you're involved in devising the battle
plan to success, it has a really good chance of working.
Love,Mom
Sample letters written by
Toby Klein Greenwald, Director, WholeFamily Room.
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